by The Harlem Times Staff
In 2012, Dr. Naa-Solo Tettey set out on a mission to transform heart health education within the Black community, driven by a passion to bridge the gap in life-saving information and resources. Early on, The Harlem Times recognized the impact of her work, featuring her and the HeartSmarts program twice as it gained momentum. Now, more than ten years later, Dr. Tettey remains dedicated to this mission, with undeniable evidence of HeartSmarts’ effectiveness in improving lives and strengthening communities. What started as a local initiative has grown into a widely recognized national and international program, empowering individuals across the NYC tri-state area and beyond to take charge of their heart health.
A Decade of Growth and Impact
Founded by Dr. Tettey in collaboration with Dr. Holly Andersen, Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster, NewYork-Presbyterian’s Perelman Heart Institute, and NYC DOH’s Ecumenical Council, HeartSmarts merges faith-based education with science to combat heart disease in underserved communities. Now sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Division of Community and Population Health, it continues to integrate faith as a driver of behavior change, fostering wellness and empowerment.
HeartSmarts has expanded far beyond its original With Every HeartBeat is Life program and Ambassador Training, growing into a dynamic initiative that provides communities with essential education, nutrition guidance, and practical wellness skills. With a strong emphasis on plant-centered nutrition, participants are encouraged to rethink their diets, while hands-on lifestyle programs offer tools for long-term health.
The program’s adaptability was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it seamlessly transitioned to virtual education, ensuring continued support while addressing health disparities. But at its core, HeartSmarts is about more than just information—it’s about making knowledge meaningful and accessible. As Dr. Tettey explains, “Access to health information is not just about having the facts—it’s about understanding them in a way that makes sense to you, your culture, and your daily life.”
Through partnerships with organizations such as Harlem SHARE, Plant Powered Metro New York, and Choose Healthy Life, HeartSmarts extends its reach, providing valuable resources and expertise. By bridging knowledge with action, the program continues to transform lives—one informed choice at a time.
Lives Transformed Through HeartSmarts
The impact of HeartSmarts is evident in the thousands of lives it has changed. Participants have gained a deeper understanding of heart disease and its risk factors, prevented—and in some cases, reversed—chronic health conditions, and adopted lasting healthy habits.
Through HeartSmarts, Yetka Carlisle, once struggling with weight and inactivity, lost over 100 pounds and embraced movement and a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. “This program saved my life,” she says. “I feel stronger, healthier, and more in control than ever before.”
Sharon Hamm-Wilson chose lifestyle changes over medication, improving her health and proving that food and movement can be powerful medicine. “I showed myself and my doctor that sustainable change is possible,” she shares.
James and Diannette Hicks of Bethel Gospel Assembly Church in Harlem have also transformed their health and are now advocates within their church and community. “HeartSmarts taught us how to make better choices,” they explain. “Now, we’re helping others do the same.”
HeartSmarts Ambassadors: The Heart of the Program
At the core of HeartSmarts are its Ambassadors—leaders who educate, mentor, and support their communities. Longtime advocates like Rev. Eva Barrett, Rev. Edith Mayfield, Phyllis Herbert, Barbara Alexis, and Dr. Cheryl James have been instrumental in spreading the program’s message. Since 2017, heart attack survivor Beverly Bruin has passionately led HeartSmarts classes. “If I can help one person avoid what I went through, it’s worth it,” she says.
Ambassadors such as Sandra Carnegie, Jeannette Wells, and Jo Anne Crennel Byrne play a vital role in guiding participants on their wellness journeys, while trailblazers like Cutie Stone have inspired a new generation of Ambassadors, including Cynthia Mason, Hollis Charles, and Traci Audena. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone take control of their health and thrive,” Traci shares. Sandra Carnegie adds, “HeartSmarts isn’t just about education—it’s about transforming lives and creating a ripple effect of wellness in our communities.”
Beyond their congregations, Ambassadors extend their advocacy through community outreach, participating in health fairs, and sharing their knowledge with family and beyond. Jo Anne Crennel-Byrne’s niece, Maria Davis—known as the “Godmother of Hip Hop”—is a passionate supporter. “So many in the Hip Hop community are dying too young,” she says. “A program like this is crucial in every community.”
Through their dedication, HeartSmarts Ambassadors continue to expand the program’s impact, bringing life-changing health education to those who need it most.
Looking Ahead
As HeartSmarts marks over a decade of success, Dr. Tettey remains committed to growth, particularly increasing the participation of men in the program. She believes in “the power of creating a community of wellness to support people on their health journey,” emphasizing that HeartSmarts is more than a program—it’s a thriving initiative built on education, empowerment, and fellowship.
With plans to expand initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and foster a lasting culture of wellness, HeartSmarts is poised for even greater impact. “We are building a legacy of health,” Dr. Tettey says, “one that will outlive us and continue to touch generations to come.”
For more information, visit www.heartsmarts.com.