More than 100 community members gathered in person and virtually on April 3 for the Fourth Annual Health Equity Panel Heart Safe and Stroke Smart, hosted by Riverside Health in partnership with Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University with support from American Heart Association Hampton Roads. The free, multi-site event focused on heart disease and stroke prevention—two leading causes of death that disproportionately impact communities of color.
The power of the evening was felt early, as two local stroke survivors shared emotional testimonies about their journeys. Vickie Williams-Cullins spoke of the moment she recognized something was wrong and how her quick response made the difference between life and death.
“Over 3 days, I experienced numbness in my left arm, slurring after a glass of wine, and numbness in my right arm, which led me to the ER,” said Williams-Cullins. "As a two-time stroke survivor, I'm determined to inspire others to know their bodies and recognize when something feels off—remember F.A.S.T."
Pastor Will Davenport echoed that urgency. “I was fortunate—but good fortune shouldn’t be the difference between life and death. This kind of community education saves lives.”
Held at New Beech Grove Baptist Church in Newport News, with an additional live-streamed event and health fair at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, the hybrid event offered a full range of resources, including blood pressure screenings, a cooking demonstration with heart-healthy recipes, an exercise session, and expert-led discussion.
Medical professionals from Riverside Health and EVMS led the panel, offering practical insight into cardiovascular risk factors, early warning signs, and steps individuals can take to manage their health—emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive care.
“The American Heart Association is a catalyst to achieving maximum impact in equitable health and well-being,” said Briana Ricks, Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association Hampton Roads. “The need is clear and there are still so many lives to be saved. Equity gaps have widened and solutions are not getting to the people who need them the most. We are committed to change that.”
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and stroke continues to be a leading cause of long-term disability. In the Hampton Roads region, underserved populations face a significantly higher burden of disease.
“Events like this are more than outreach—they’re impact,” said Adam Luke, Associate Vice President for the Cardiac Service Line at Riverside Health, who serves on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association Hampton Roads. “We’re not just raising awareness. We’re changing behaviors, connecting people to care, and building healthier communities together.”
The annual panel, now in its fourth year, is part of a broader effort by Riverside and its partners to advance health equity through education, early detection, and community-centered care. To learn more about heart health and stroke awareness, visit riversideonline.com/heart or riversideonline.com/stroke.