Here and Now: Mount Sinai, Real Dads Network partner to improve heart health of Black men

February 15, 2026 - 22:48

A groundbreaking new initiative is tackling a critical health disparity head-on. The Mount Sinai Health System has joined forces with the Real Dads Network to directly improve cardiovascular outcomes for Black men, a group disproportionately affected by heart disease.

The collaboration, announced during American Heart Month, focuses on education, early detection, and building trust within the community. A central pillar of the program involves leveraging the Real Dads Network's established community presence to connect Black men with vital health screenings and resources they might otherwise not access. These efforts aim to identify often undiagnosed conditions like hypertension and cardiomyopathy much earlier.

Cardiologists emphasize that social determinants of health and historical mistrust in medical systems often create barriers to care, leading to later diagnoses and worse outcomes. By partnering with a trusted community organization, the program seeks to bridge this gap through culturally competent outreach. The initiative will provide not only screenings but also workshops and sustained support, empowering participants with knowledge about diet, exercise, and stress management tailored to their lived experience. This partnership represents a proactive model for using community integration to address persistent and life-threatening health inequities.