CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan serving more than 450,000 Georgians, announced today a $300,000 contribution to the American Heart Association (the Association) in support of education and outreach efforts dedicated to improving cardiovascular and maternal health.  

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Georgians, with stroke being the fifth leading cause. According to the Association, more women die from heart disease and stroke than any other condition, including all forms of cancer combined, and cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of new moms. Nationally, 43% of Hispanic women have cardiovascular disease and according to the Office of Minority Health, Black adults are 30% more likely to have high blood pressure, which can lead to complications such as heart attack or stroke.   

“These statistics are astounding and must be addressed,” said Dr. Seema Csukas, chief medical officer for CareSource Georgia. “Collaborating with the Association allows us to engage the majority of our Medicaid and Marketplace members with the science-based education and culturally competent resources they need to improve health outcomes, as well as individuals and families beyond our members as we work to improve the whole health of Georgia one community at a time.”   

Through this collaboration, CareSource and the Association will work together to educate at-risk Georgians in the metro Atlanta area about ending tobacco use, controlling blood pressure and making healthy nutrition choices with the goal of improving total health and well-being. Additionally, they will educate women, families and communities about the importance of maternal and infant health. 

“Equitable health in Atlanta isn't just a goal; it’s a collective commitment of action to ensure that our community lives without barriers to health,” said Carla Smith, region senior vice president and executive director of the Metro Atlanta American Heart Association. “By boldly addressing the health issues impacting Atlanta alongside CareSource, we will continue to advance health and hope for everyone everywhere.”  

CareSource and the Association will focus on outreach efforts including: 

• A multi-pronged, awareness campaign to improve the health of both mothers and their children to reduce the staggering statistics around maternal health and morbidity.  

• A public education campaign geared toward the Hispanic-Latino community to understand stroke signs and symptoms, immediate management and modifiable risk factors.  

• An evidence-based community nutrition program that encourages people to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices.  

• Distribution of CPR Anytime and Infant CPR kits training materials and automated external defibrillators for community organizations and new mothers. 

• Self-Measured Blood Pressure monitoring and information about heart health during pregnancy. 

More information about heart health can be found at heart.org/atlanta.