AUSTIN, Feb 28, 2026 — While meaningful progress continues in reducing health disparities, Black communities in Central Texas still face disproportionately higher rates of heart disease, stroke and hypertension, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update. These persistent gaps contribute to significantly higher mortality rates, underscoring the urgent need for sustained, community centered intervention. 

As part of its nationwide Heart Month and Black History Month initiatives, the American Heart Association, devoted to creating a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is calling for renewed action to close the survival gap through education, advocacy and to learn Hands Only CPR. The Association’s mission remains clear: ensuring that every person, especially those at greatest risk, learns Hands-Only CPR.  

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Central Texas. According to the Association, Black Americans continue to experience some of the nation’s most severe CVD outcomes, driven in part by the high prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and limited access to preventive care. 

Key findings from the 2025 Statistical Update include: 

To address these disparities, the American Heart Association in Austin is collaborating with local organizations like the Black Men’s Health Clinic, which bridges gaps between clinical systems and community members who may face barriers to care. As a healthcare intermediary, BMHC provides outreach, education and hands-on navigation through formal partnerships with health organizations to ensure people receive clear, credible information. 

“All the people in your community who may not understand the healthcare system are still impacted by it,” said Hon. Larry Wallace Jr., Ph.D., senior director of operations at BMHC. “BMHC exists to close that gap by translating healthcare guidance into real-world understanding and action without judgment, and with respect for where people are coming from.” 

Black women are not exempt from these disparities, either. “There is often a failure to listen and act when black women say something is wrong,” said Darline Turner, founder and executive director of Healing Hands Community Birthing Project and a certified doula. “Black birth workers in the Austin community have long been aware of the birth outcome disparities and have worked hard to fill in gaps and wrap support around the families we serve. We work on a community model of care, providing continuous support during labor and delivery, and care and support postpartum.” 

The Maternal Health Equity Collaborative network, which includes Healing Hands as well as Black Mamas ATX, Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS), Mama Sana Vibrant Woman and Partners in Parenting, provides comprehensive, free support. With Turner’s support, the Association has established blood pressure monitoring station at Black Mamas Village and distributed educational materials and CPR guidance. 

CPR is particularly critical because 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are fatal. CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival – but Black or Hispanic people are significantly less likely than White people to receive bystander CPR. 

“Learning Hands Only CPR is a simple, powerful way to save a life,” said Mary Elizabeth Buckel, heart survivor and American Heart Association community health coordinator. “Black History Month reminds us of the strength and resilience of Black communities, while also highlighting the urgent need to be the help until the help arrives. Through the Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, we’re equipping people with lifesaving skills and working to ensure that every community has a better chance at survival.” 

As Black History Month comes to a close, the American Heart Association is calling on individuals, community leaders, policymakers and partners to join in advancing fair access to heart-healthy resources. The path to longer, healthier lives for all requires sustained collaboration, culturally grounded solutions and a shared commitment to removing barriers that have persisted for generations. Together, we can build a future where every person, regardless of race, ZIP code or income, has a real opportunity for heart health and survival.