Over the past year, members of NACCHO’s Cardiovascular Health Community of Practice (CoP) came together to exchange ideas and explore evidence-informed approaches to preventing and controlling hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Through quarterly learning sessions, peer discussions, and new resources, the CoP strengthened connections among health departments working to improve heart health in their communities.
A Year of Shared Learning
Throughout the year, members heard from national organizations and local health departments on a range of topics, including:
Engaging Local Officials
National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention: Members learned about Move with the Mayor®, a national initiative that encourages mayors and local leaders to promote physical activity in their communities. The session highlighted campaign resources and opportunities for local public health to partner with municipal leaders to support active living.
Connecting Heart Health and Brain Health
Alzheimer’s Association: This session explored the connection between hypertension, cardiovascular risk factors, and brain health (watch the recording). Presenters highlighted the growing public health burden of Alzheimer’s disease and shared tools to help local health departments incorporate brain health into existing cardiovascular disease prevention efforts.
Leveraging Communications to Promote Heart Health
CDC Foundation: Members were introduced to the Live to the Beat campaign, including outreach materials, community engagement strategies, and a growing network of ambassadors raising awareness about cardiovascular health. The session also featured the new Live to the Beat Virtual Coaching Program, which helps women build sustainable heart-healthy habits through guided sessions, peer support, and practical resources.
Learning from Local Health Department Success Stories
Porter County Health Department and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: Local health departments shared partnership models for hypertension prevention and control (watch the recording). Presenters showed how partnerships with trusted community settings, such as libraries, YMCAs, and senior centers, can expand access to blood pressure resources, as illustrated by HEARTSafe Porter County Story Map. They also pointed to team-based care and health information technology as ways to strengthen coordination and long-term sustainability, an approach reflected in LA County’s Heart Health Learning Collaborative.
New Resources to Support Local Action
Year 2 also focused on developing resources that local health departments can continue using to support their cardiovascular health initiatives.
New resources included:
- Stories from the Field highlighting successful local initiatives
- Learning Spotlights featuring innovative implementation strategies
- An issue brief exploring strategies to improve cardiovascular health in rural communities
- An updated Cardiovascular Health Resource Hub with curated tools, guidance documents, and implementation resources
- Quarterly newsletters highlighting new resources, funding opportunities, and partner tools
Together, these resources extend the learning beyond each CoP session, providing examples and evidence-informed approaches that local health departments can adapt to meet their community’s needs.
Join the Community
Interested in connecting with peers and exploring practical strategies to improve cardiovascular health? Join NACCHO’s Cardiovascular Health Community of Practice to learn from local health departments across the country, explore the resources developed through the CoP, and stay connected throughout the year. We look forward to learning with you.
