MANCHESTER, N.H., October 2, 2025 — Stroke is the third leading cause of death among Hispanic women and the fourth leading cause of death among Hispanic men, yet the Hispanic community is less likely to receive relevant care due to barriers like limited access, language differences and lack of resources. Stroke rates in this community are disproportionate—despite stroke being largely preventable, treatable and beatable. To address these gaps in care related to the burden of heart disease and stroke among Hispanic and Latino families, the American Heart Association is equipping communities with tools that are free, easy-to-use resources designed to help people take control of their health.
This year the Association is introducing Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Health Lessons, a bilingual consumer friendly toolkit. These lessons offer practical step-by-step tips to help the public manage blood pressure, make heart-healthy food choices, understand risk factors and build healthier communities. This initiative coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when the Association also celebrates the vital role of community health workers and nurses serving Hispanic and Latino communities. In these communities’ community health workers (promotores de salud) and nurses play a vital role in connecting families to resources and empowering them to take charge of their heart health.
“Through the new bilingual American Heart Association DIY Health Lessons, we’re giving families the tools they need to take control of their health, make informed decisions and build a lasting legacy of wellness,” said Brian Shankey, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Northern New England. “Community health workers and nurses are one of the trusted sources of information in the Hispanic community. They deliver these lessons, bridging gaps in care and ensuring families have access to the culturally relevant resources that can save lives.”
Introducing DIY Health Lessons
The DIY Health Lessons empower individuals and families to learn about their heart health and take action to improve it. Through these resources anyone can learn how high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease affect their health and what risk factors to watch for. Users will be able to take action by following simple tips for managing blood pressure, making heart-healthy food choices, increasing physical activity and building healthier habits for your family and community.
- Understanding and managing blood pressure [English/Spanish]
- Recognizing stroke warning signs and steps for prevention [English/ Spanish]
These lessons are designed for home, schools, churches and community settings helping more families access culturally relevant life-saving information wherever they are.
Honoring the Role of CHWs & Nurses
Community health workers and nurses are essential to improving heart health in Hispanic and Latino communities. They build trust by breaking down cultural and language barriers and bring education and care to the people who need it most.
The American Heart Association is proud to celebrate the vibrant contributions of Hispanic and Latino community health workers through the Hispanic Heritage Month: Legacy Series. This series follows nurses and community health workers from across the country as they answer questions commonly asked in the community. As trusted communicators who help close the health literacy gap in their communities and their efforts are making a real difference in advancing health literacy for everyone, everywhere. For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month | American Heart Association website.
NH Latino News is a proud partner of the American Heart Association in supporting the health and well-being of Granite State residents.