REACH For Wellness is a cardiovascular disease prevention coalition sponsored by the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). REACH For Wellness has been organized to encourage lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke among residents of the Atlanta Empowerment Zone. REACH offers free community-based services such as nutrition education classes; physical activity programs; empowerment groups for men and women; and cardiovascular wellness centers in churches, barbershops and beauty salons. REACH For Wellness is a collaborative effort between the Divine Universal Sisterhood, Sisters Action Team, the Association of Black Cardiologists, the Association of Black Psychologists and Morehouse School of Medicine.
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Reach 2010
One of the goals of Healthy People 2010, which describes the nation’s health objectives for the decade, is to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. Despite great improvements in the overall health of the nation, Americans who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely than whites to have poor health and to die prematurely.
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010 is one of the cornerstones of CDC’s efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. Launched in 1999, REACH is designed to eliminate disparities in the following six priority areas: cardiovascular disease, immunizations, breast and cervical cancer screening and management, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and infant mortality. The racial and ethnic groups targeted by REACH 2010 are African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders.
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Goals and Objectives
Goals and objectives of the REACH For Wellness are to encourage lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke among residents of the Atlanta Empowerment Zone. REACH offers free community-based services such as nutrition education classes; physical activity programs; empowerment groups for men and women; and cardiovascular wellness centers in churches, barbershops and beauty salons to accomplish these goals and objectives.
About Heart Disease
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels: including heart attack and stroke) is the leading cause of death in Georgia. Heart disease often strikes people in the prime of their lives, causing early deaths. African American men living in FultonCounty can expect to live to age 61, African American women to age 72. White men can expect to live to age 71, white women to age 79.
Warning Signs of Heart Attack Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain inthe center of the chest that
lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck and arms
Chest pains with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
Palpitations (strong, fast heart beats)
Warning Signs of Stroke
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
Difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying to you
Sudden and severe headache, with no known cause
Sudden blurred vision Dizziness
Controlling Risk Factors
Don’t use tobacco Smoking increases the risk of stroke and heartproblems
Control your blood pressure
Blood pressure at or above 140/90 is considered high. Get checked regularly.
Get Active! Maintain healthy weight
Being overweight strains the heart. Keep your weight down with healthy meals and regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Control your cholesterol
Avoid foods rich in saturated fats and cholesterol such as fried foods, butter, eggs, whole milk, etc.
Eat healthy foods Eat five or more servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains per day.
Avoid luncheon meats, bacon, hot dogs and fast foods. Limit your intake of fat.
Take your medicine as prescribed
Follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t stop taking
your medicine unless you are told to do so. Let your doctor know if you don’t feel better.
Manage stress Set limits to help handle stress. Take time to relax.
The Association of Black Cardiologist, Inc. (ABC) organizes and trains churches in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone as Cardiovascular Wellness Centers to reduce cardiovascular disease (including strokes) in African American communities. Churches are recruited based on their willingness to initiate and maintain the program. In order to become a Cardiovascular Wellness Center, the churches agree to:
Incorporate health promotion. information in the church bulletins
Follow-up with participants on their commitments to seek medical help.
Sponsor routine community health activities.
Church leaders are also required to identify committed volunteers who are trained as lay health educators called Health Promotion Specialists (HPS). These specialists, from the various churches throughout the Atlanta Empowerment Zone, form a coalition of volunteers empowered to positively impact the health of members of their communities.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESOURCE CENTERS
The Association of Black Cardiologist, Inc. organizes barbershops and beauty salons in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone as Cardiovascular Resource Centers. Shop owners promote the program by agreeing to:
Display Free Blood Pressure Monitoring sign on their front window
Encourage patrons to have their blood pressure monitored
Allow Health Promotion Specialists (HPS) to conduct routine blood pressure monitoring
Sponsor routine community health activities
For more information on establishing a Cardiovascular Wellness Center, Cardiovascular Resource Center or volunteer opportunities, contact:
Carolyn Jones
(404) 201-6634
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EVALUATION PROGRAM
MorehouseSchool of Medicine (MSM), through its many programs and research centers, focuses on diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans and other minorities. MSM evaluates outcomes of the REACH For Wellness Program and assists the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with its REACH 2010 demonstration project research.
For more information on the REACH For Wellness Evaluation Program, contact:
The Divine Universal Sisterhood (DUS) is a community-based organization known for its comprehensive nutrition education program. The innovative curriculum and cooking demonstrations, created by DUS, re-educates individuals about transitioning toward good eating practices and a healthier lifestyle. DUS focuses on:
Educating individuals about the link between poor diet, poor food choices and poor health.
Helping individuals make a transition toward healthier eating habits.
Increasing the exposure and benefits of health food stores.
Demonstrating how to cook and prepare heart-healthy meals while introducing a wide variety of food choices.
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Sister’s Action Team Women Empowerment Network, Inc. (SATWEN) is a community-based organization which focuses on spiritual connectivity, physical wellness and emotional balance. SATWEN’s motto is "We are Sisters working together transforming ourselves, families and communities".
The Women’s Empowerment Program conducts workshops on the following topics:
Meditation/Relaxation
Cardiovascular Disease Awareness
Personal Empowerment – Knowing and Loving Who We Are
Money Management Goal Setting
Mental, Spiritual and Physical Awareness
Nutrition & Food Preparation
Living Our Dreams
The Power of Goal Setting
Advocacy/Leadership Development
SATWEN is best known for their “Healthier Me SPA DAY”. Through this activity, participants receive the benefits of a foot massage, neck massage, back massage, instructional meditation, CVD education and stress management techniques. For more information on the Women’s Empowerment Program, contact:
D. Makeda Johnson
(404) 730-4665 ext. 243
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MEN'S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The African American Male Empowerment Network (AMEN) empowers men through a series of support groups. These groups, facilitated by the Association of Black Psychologists, are organized with the purpose of developing healthy lifestyles through individual empowerment. AMEN focuses on the following:
Introduction to Meditation
Anger Management
Hypertension
Diabetes
Nutrition Empowerment
HIV & AIDS Prevention
Defining African American “Malehood”
Substance Abuse
Cancer Facts & Prevention
Self Acceptance
Personal Development
Problem Solving
Stress Management
Economic Stability
QI-gong
Community Organizing
Racism
Spirituality
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM Physical Activity Program includes preventive health education, nutritional counseling, support group and self-esteem building for African American men and women. Program activities include:
Walking Clubs
Weight and blood pressure monitoring
Low-impact aerobics sessions
Aerobics Instructor Trainee Certification Program
Community Coalition
REACH For Wellness Community Coalition is a collective that addresses public policy initiatives affecting inner city residents of the community formally known as the Atlanta Empowerment Zone. Members include representatives from religious institutions, community groups, health-related organizations, colleges and universities and legislators.
The coalition meets:
When:
Every 2nd Thursday each month*
Time:
5:30 PM
Where:
Fulton County
Mechanicsville Branch Library
400 Formwalt Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
*The coalition does not meet during the months of August and December.
REACH For Wellness coalition public policy initiatives:
1.Modification of the Fulton County Clean Indoor Air Ordinance to remove exemptions that applies to restaurants, bars and conventions.
2.Outlaw all outdoor tobacco product advertising regardless of size.
3.Commit a percentage of all road development monies to the creation of bike paths and walking trails in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone.
4.Reserve the Atlanta Empowerment Zone a percentage of all green space development monies.
5.Support Atlanta Board of Education policy change to reestablish a full physical education program as a required component of the K – 12 curriculum.
For more information on the REACH For Wellness Coalition, call (404) 730-1513.
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Reach Partners
REACH PARTNERS – community-based organizations that implement REACH For Wellness programs.
Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC)
The ABC is dedicated to the prevention and reduction of heart disease and stroke. The ABC organizes churches, barber shops and beauty salons as CardiovascularWellnessCenters and CardiovascularResourceCenters.
Contact: Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D.
Telephone: 404-201-6600
Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)
ABPsi’s mission is to positively impact the health and well-being of African Americans from a holistic view by providing male support.
Contact: Harold Braithwaite, Ph.D.
Telephone: 404-215-2627
Divine Universal Sisterhood (DUS)
DUS is a community-based organization known for its comprehensive nutrition education program. DUS works within churches, super-markets and community centers to provide nutrition education sessions and cooking demonstrations.
Contact: Yafah Asiel
Telephone: 404-752-5194
Sisters Action Team (SAT)
SAT is a community-based organization which focuses on spiritual connectivity, physical wellness and emotional balance. SAT implements the women’s support groups.
Contact: D. Makeda Johnson
Telephone: 404-730-4665
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)
MSM, through its many programs and research centers, focuses on diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect African-Americans and other minorities.
Reach Cardiovascular Resource Centers
REACH CARDIOVASCULAR RESOURCE CENTERS – barber shops and beauty salons that conduct blood pressure monitoring and distribute health literature.
Silver Star Barber & Beauty Shop 391 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
LaSisters Beaute Palace 390 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
Latest Experience 199 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
New Line Cuts Barbershop 339 Edgewood Avenue, NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Palucci’s Hair Salon 589 Ralph McGill Blvd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
The Paramount Barbershop 432 Ponce Delon Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30308
Playmakers 270 Ponce Delon Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30308
The Purple Door 321 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phyllis Hair Connections 585 Joseph E. Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
Karisma’s Hair Studio 365 (B) Joseph E. Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
Weaver Barbershop 589 Joseph E. Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
Styles By Ester 981 MLK Drive
Atlanta, GA 30314
Taylor Made Cuts 549 Joseph E. Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
Studio 589 5891/2 Joseph E. Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
Dawns Diva Designs 571-A Joseph Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
University Barbershop 3 James P. Brawley
Atlanta, GA 30314
Janet Pink Salon 547 Joseph E. Lowery
Atlanta, GA 30310
Reach Cardiovascular Wellness Centers
REACH CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS CENTERS – churches that conduct blood pressure monitoring and distributes health literature.
Antioch Baptist Church Rev. Cameron Alexander, Pastor 540 Kennedy Street
Atlanta, GA 30318
Ariel Bowen Rev. Ron Johnson, Pastor 384 Arthur Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Beulah Baptist Rev. William Cartrell, Pastor 170 Griffin Street
Atlanta, GA 30311
Big Bethel Church Rev.Gregory V. Eason, Pastor 220 Auburn
Atlanta, GA 30303
Butler Street CME Rev. A. Alford Sr., Pastor 23 Butler Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capital View United Methodist Rev. Otis Pickett , Jr., Pastor 661 Dill Avenue, SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Chapel – Christian Love Rev. J.A. Milner, Pastor 875 Cascade Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30311
Cosmopolitan AME Church Rev. Dr. Lasure, Pastor 170 Vine Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Ebenezer Baptist Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Pastor 407 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
First Congregational Rev. D. Andrews, Pastor 105 Courtland Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Flipper Temple Rev. A. H. Hall, Jr., Pastor 580 Fair Street
Atlanta, GA 30314
Greater Bethany Baptist Church Rev. Curtis Lester, Pastor 786 Thurmond St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Greater Deliverance Rev. James Dixon, Pastor 705 Ashby Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Greater Vine City Baptist Church Rev. A.C. King, Pastor 166 Walnut Street
Atlanta, GA 30318
Iconium Baptist Church Rev. Stephens, Pastor 1050 McDaniel Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Liberty Baptist Church Rev. J. Sherman Pelt, Pastor 395 Chamberlain St.
Atlanta, GA 30312
Lindsay Street Baptist Church Rev. A. Motley, Pastor 881 North Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30308
Martin Street Church of God Rev. Emanuel Holston, Pastor 148 Glenwood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
Morning Star Rev. E. Boger, Pastor 197 Gibson Street
Atlanta, GA 30315
Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Rev. Dexter Johnson, Pastor 565 Spencer Street
Atlanta, GA 30314
Mt. Mariah Rev. Arlando Winters, Pastor 200 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Mt. Vernon Baptist Rev. D. Nunnally, Pastor
441 Martin Luther King Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30314
Mt. Zion 2nd Baptist Church Rev. Henry Jones, Pastor 137 Boulevard NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Our Lady of Lourdes Priest John Adamski, Pastor 29 Boulevard, NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. E. Walton, Pastor 498 English Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318
Rice Memorial Presbyterian Pastor Michael Wilson, Pastor 1515 Brewer Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30310
St. Anthony Catholic Pastor Brenda Kelley, Pastor 953 Ralph David Abernathy
Atlanta, GA 30310
Simpson Street Church of Christ Rev. Greg Crawford, Pastor 810 Simpson Street
Atlanta, GA 30314
Tabernacle Baptist Church Rev. Dennis Meredith, Pastor 475 Boulevard NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
The Mission Institute Rev. Evaleen Sargent, Pastor 1982 Simpson Road, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30314
True Light Baptist Church Rev. Darrell Elligan, Pastor 47 Anderson Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30314
Warren Memorial United Methodist Church Rev. Richard Winn, Pastor 181 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
West Hunter Street Pastor DeWitt Smith Jr., Pastor 1040 Ralph David Abernathy
Atlanta, GA 30310
West Mitchell CME Rev. Earthalee Reed (Coordinator) 560 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30310
West Oakland Rev. Joseph Johnson, Pastor 1025 Violet Street
Atlanta, GA 30310
West Side CME Rev. J. Barnes, Pastor 2114 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30310
Workhouse of Faith Rev. F. Sherrer, Pastor 802 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice. For more information please call 404-730-1211 (voice). Mailing address: ATTN: Public Information, Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303. Because of confidentiality concerns, questions regarding client health issues cannot be responded to by e-mail. For more information, contact the Privacy Officer at 404-730-1212.
Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by Fulton County. By visiting this and other
Fulton County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site.
REACH For Wellness 
REACH For Wellness is a cardiovascular disease prevention coalition sponsored by the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). REACH For Wellness has been organized to encourage lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke among residents of the Atlanta Empowerment Zone. REACH offers free community-based services such as nutrition education classes; physical activity programs; empowerment groups for men and women; and cardiovascular wellness centers in churches, barbershops and beauty salons. REACH For Wellness is a collaborative effort between the Divine Universal Sisterhood, Sisters Action Team, the Association of Black Cardiologists, the Association of Black Psychologists and Morehouse School of Medicine.
etc.
The Association of Black Cardiologist, Inc. (ABC) organizes and trains churches in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone as Cardiovascular Wellness Centers to reduce cardiovascular disease (including strokes) in African American communities. Churches are recruited based on their willingness to initiate and maintain the program. In order to become a Cardiovascular Wellness Center, the churches agree to: 
The Association of Black Cardiologist, Inc. organizes barbershops and beauty salons in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone as Cardiovascular Resource Centers. Shop owners promote the program by agreeing to: 
Morehouse
The Divine Universal Sisterhood (DUS) is a community-based organization known for its comprehensive nutrition education program. The innovative curriculum and cooking demonstrations, created by DUS, re-educates individuals about transitioning toward good eating practices and a healthier lifestyle. DUS focuses on:
Sister’s Action Team Women Empowerment Network, Inc. (SATWEN) is a community-based organization which focuses on spiritual connectivity, physical wellness and emotional balance. SATWEN’s motto is "We are Sisters working together transforming ourselves, families and communities". 
SATWEN is best known for their “Healthier Me SPA DAY”. Through this activity, participants receive the benefits of a foot massage, neck massage, back massage, instructional meditation, CVD education and stress management techniques. For more information on the Women’s Empowerment Program, contact:
The African American Male Empowerment Network (AMEN) empowers men through a series of support groups. These groups, facilitated by the Association of Black Psychologists, are organized with the purpose of developing healthy lifestyles through individual empowerment. AMEN focuses on the following:
Physical Activity Program includes preventive health education, nutritional counseling, support group and self-esteem building for African American men and women. Program activities include: 
REACH For Wellness Community Coalition is a collective that addresses public policy initiatives affecting inner city residents of the community formally known as the Atlanta Empowerment Zone. Members include representatives from religious institutions, community groups, health-related organizations, colleges and universities and legislators.
