What began as a simple class project for LaPrincess Brewer in Baltimore, Maryland 10 years ago has now flourished into a multi-city movement intersecting faith and heart health awareness in the Black community.
Dr. Brewer, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, launched FAITH! — an acronym for Fostering African American Improvement in Total Health — as a fun and engaging way to address heart disease, the number one killer of African Americans. As part of the program’s 10th anniversary, Dr. Brewer will host a FAITH! Celebration and three-mile “Walk by FAITH!” community outing in North Minneapolis on Saturday, June 23.
Hosted in partnership with the YMCA and Shiloh Temple International Ministries, the celebration will also include a Men’s Health Symposium led by Shiloh Temple’s Kelton Kent, free lunch, health vendors, giveaways and an awards ceremony honoring participants.
“The community really inspired me to do what I do,” said Dr. Brewer. “They wanted it, they loved it and were really excited about improving their own health.”
Dr. Brewer first brought the program to Minnesota in 2013 during her cardiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She now serves as a senior associate consultant and assistant professor in the clinic’s department of cardiovascular medicine.
Since launching, participants have seen tangible outcomes, including improved health and lifestyle changes. “We improved their overall cardiovascular health,” she said. “We reduced blood pressure and also improved diet, in terms of eating increased fruits and vegetables. Our participants were more physically active – [meaning] more minutes per day and steps per day in terms of physical activity.”
She added, it has also “improved social determinants” of health, including healthy lifestyle changes that have resulted in “less barriers to eating a healthy diet and a sense of more social support.”
For Dr. Brewer, helping create healthier communities has been the best outcome. “To help people live longer and fulfilling lives through faith has truly been rewarding,” she said. “And to be able to follow my passion of serving others through community health and research has been a blessing.”
FAITH! Celebration and Walk by FAITH! takes place from 9 am to 1 pm on June 23 at the Cora McCorvey YMCA, 1015 4th Avenue North in Minneapolis.
For more information, call 507- 255-1622.
Stephenetta (isis) Harmon is the editor-in-chief at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and digital editor for Hype Hair. She is also the founder of Sadiaa, the first US-based directory dedicated to Black-owned hair and beauty businesses. She can be reached at sharmon@spokesman-recorder.com.
Caretta Richmond says
This is Awesome. So proud of you Dr. Brewer for following your passion and serving the community. Mrs. Richmond
James says
Congratulations niece. I am so glad and proud to know that you have a passion for serving others. For it is one of the great pillars of life and it benefits both the giver and receiver. I thank God for you and the work that you are doing.
Uncle Herb
Carolyn Thomas says
Sounds terrific, but I’m curious about how this program actually works, e.g. what do people do when they participate? What communities are involved in the “multi-city movement”? How does faith come into this scenario, and the usual ‘when, where why, how, who’ questions! It sounds like a ‘feel-good’ story, but with few if any details about what you are actually celebrating here.
robert jones says
I can appreciate the skepticism, especially when there are so many claims of “wonder” programs in our community. However, I would suggest in this case, please contact Dr. Brewer, look at the supportive materials that has been generated regarding the program, and….. contact some of the individuals who have been involved since it’s inception 10 years ago. All of these proof sources are available for your considerations.
I have worked with her for three years and have had the opportunity to meet individual in all three cities and those who were involved since the inception of the program. Many of them are still engaged in the activities that she helped to create.
Linda Finney says
This sounds like a wonderful program! Much is needed to reduce and ultimately eliminate the disparities within the African American community.
LaPrincess Brewer, MD says
Sincerest thanks to everyone for your kind comments and support throughout my career! Much love and health!
Dr. Brewer