El Pueblo’s Mi Corazón Program Puts Heart Health at the Center of Community Care
January is Healthy Weight Management Awareness Month and a time to recenter or start fresh with a focus on practical, everyday choices that support long-term health. In Mississippi, one community organization has turned that idea into action in a way that feels personal, accessible, and rooted in trust.
El Pueblo, a Forge AHEAD Community Micro-grant recipient, leads Mi Corazón (My Heart), a community health initiative supporting Hispanic adults with limited English proficiency as they manage high blood pressure and improve heart health. The program is designed to be welcoming, easy to understand, and closely connected to the realities participants face in their daily lives.
Mississippi has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure in the country. For many Hispanic immigrants with limited English proficiency, managing hypertension is especially challenging due to language barriers, limited access to affordable care, and uncertainty around navigating the healthcare system. Mi Corazón was created to help address these challenges by offering clear information, consistent support, and trusted connections.
Participants are recruited through local clinics, schools, churches, and community centers using Spanish-language materials. Once enrolled, they receive weekly blood pressure checks, bilingual check-ins, and personalized goal setting. Monthly in-person education sessions provide guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, along with healthy meals and opportunities to ask questions. These sessions are delivered in partnership with organizations such as Lackney, Catholic Charities, and Fast Pace Clinics.
“Mi Corazón is about meeting people where they are and helping them feel comfortable taking charge of their health,” said Michael Ann Galliano Oropeza, executive director of El Pueblo. “When information is clear and support is consistent, people are more likely to stay engaged, keep appointments, and make changes that work for them and their families.”
Early updates from the program show encouraging progress. Participants have their blood pressure checked at least once a week, either through in-office visits or by phone and virtual check-ins. Many report attending medical appointments more consistently, particularly with their primary care providers. Several participants have adopted lower-sodium eating habits, and at least five now walk three times a week as part of their regular routine.
“When information is clear and support is consistent, people are more likely to stay engaged, keep appointments, and make changes that work for them and their families.”
– Michael Ann Galliano Oropeza, executive director of El Pueblo
Monthly meetings continue to see strong participation, even from individuals who travel up to 40 minutes to attend. Guest speakers from the healthcare field offer practical advice on heart health and maintaining healthy habits over time. Social media has helped extend the program’s reach, while routine check-ins include reminders about upcoming doctor’s visits and medication schedules.
The program also faces real challenges. Many participants live in rural areas with limited transportation options. The nearest low-cost clinic is often 25 minutes away, and reliable access to vehicles is not always available. Some participants lack basic health tools, such as blood pressure cuffs, or the technology needed for virtual check-ins. These barriers can make ongoing engagement difficult and, at times, frustrating.
Despite these obstacles, Mi Corazón continues to build momentum. The program expects to serve at least 20 participants directly and reach more than 100 community members through family involvement and public sessions. By focusing on clear communication, trusted relationships, and steady support, El Pueblo is helping lay the foundation for lasting improvements in community health.
As we recognize Healthy Weight Management Month, Mi Corazón reminds us that progress does not require perfection. It begins with small steps, reliable support, and the encouragement of a community working together.
Simple, community-friendly tips for healthy weight management
- Start small. Replacing sugary drinks with water or adding one extra walk each week can add up over time.
- Prepare familiar meals in healthier ways. Using less salt, baking instead of frying, and adding more vegetables can support heart health.
- Find movement you enjoy. Walking, stretching, or dancing at home all count.
- Keep track when possible. Writing down blood pressure readings, meals, or activity can help build awareness and motivation.
- Stay connected. Support from family, friends, and community programs makes healthy changes easier to maintain.
- Keep up with medical care. Regular checkups and taking medications as prescribed are key parts of managing weight and blood pressure.
Forge AHEAD is proud to partner with El Pueblo through the Community Micro-grant Program and support work that strengthens heart health and community well-being across Mississippi.
Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.
