Every 33 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease.  

As American Heart Month unfolds this February, Wayne State University is continuing its efforts to reduce those numbers through research and a series of community-driven initiatives designed to boost awareness and improve access to essential heart health resources. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with high blood pressure affecting nearly half of all adults. In Detroit, residents are two and a half times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease due to hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity.  

Dr. Phillip Levy, associate vice president for translational science at Wayne State, is a leader in WSU’s efforts to reduce heart disease in the city. Levy, who has dedicated his career to identifying risk factors early and expanding access to quality care, is focused on tackling the disproportionate impact of heart disease on marginalized populations. 

“Cardiovascular disease remains a leading threat to public health, but many cases are preventable with early intervention and access to care,” Levy said. “Through our research and outreach, we are not only identifying risk factors sooner but also ensuring that communities most affected by heart disease have the resources to take control of their health.” 

One of the university’s key initiatives is the Wayne Mobile Health Unit (WMHU), which delivers essential medical services directly to communities in need, including free screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes at accessible locations. 

“Addressing heart disease requires a proactive approach, and that starts with meeting people where they are,” explained Levy, who oversees the WMHU. “Through our mobile health efforts and community partnerships, we’re ensuring that Detroiters have the tools and support they need to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease before it becomes life-threatening.” 

The mobile units are only part of Wayne State’s efforts. Dr. Luis Afonso, professor of internal medicine  cardiology, highlights how socioeconomic disparities contribute to heart disease. 

“Access to healthy food, regular medical care and essential medications is often limited for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations,” Alfonso said. “Healthy living can be expensive, and without adequate insurance, many people forego preventive care altogether.” 

To combat these challenges, Wayne State is expanding its focus on community education and lifestyle interventions, integrating research on behavioral health, nutrition and exercise into its outreach programs.  

Another critical initiative is HEARTSafe Community, a nationwide effort by the Citizen CPR Foundation to enhance emergency preparedness. Recognizing the vital role of fire departments in emergency response, HEARTSafe collaborates with firefighters to improve cardiac emergencies in communities.  The Detroit Fire Department, in partnership with Wayne State’s Department of Emergency Medicine and other local organizations, leads the lifesaving program in the city. 

The service equips everyday Detroiters with lifesaving skills and empowers them to take action in cardiac emergencies before first responders arrive. Guided by Dr. Robert Dunne, professor of emergency medicine and medical director of the Detroit Fire Department, the initiative strengthens Detroit’s emergency response network. Wayne State’s First Aid First student organization, along with other university-affiliated groups, contributes to the effort. Through free emergency response training, community members learn to perform hands-only CPR, recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and apply stop-the-bleed techniques to control severe bleeding. 

“Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and the more people who know how to respond, the

better the chances of survival,” Dunne explained. “By expanding CPR training and emergency preparedness, we are building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the power to save a life.” 

Detroit, now the largest municipality to earn the HEARTSafe Community designation, sets a national example for emergency response. The city earned the distinction by meeting 13 key criteria, including CPR training for residents and city employees, public access to defibrillators, and advanced resuscitation protocols for first responders and hospitals. Since 2005, WSU’s Department of Emergency Medicine has housed Detroit’s cardiac arrest registry, providing critical data to improve survival rates.  

“Heart disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence,” Dunne said. “By empowering our community with knowledge and access to care, we can save lives and create a healthier future for Detroit.” 

By Darlene A. White