Cardiovascular Disease urban intervention: baseline activities and findings.

Regular exercise, good dietary habits, knowledge of the disease and its warning signs as well as ability to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are all important to prevent and combat Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Stroke. In 2005-2006, an AHA sponsored "Search Your Heart" cardiovascular disease intervention was conducted in 388 urban African-American/black and Latino/Hispanic faith based institutions, all churches of various denominations, to improve members' knowledge and preparedness about CVD and stroke. The intervention involved (a) distribution of a customized multi-component CVD and stroke related educational and skill development package to 388 "ambassadors" for all participating churches, (b) AHA staff coordinated educational sessions for the ambassadors and (c) 211 Ambassadors coordinating the conduct of at least one CVD educational activities in their churches.