POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS

Dane County Heart Health Collaborative (DC2HC)

A partnership to increase cardiovascular health and decrease adverse outcomes.

Improving Heart Health in Dane County



We are proud to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on a 5-year grant-funded initiative to advance cardiovascular disease prevention and reduction.

The Dane County Heart Health Collaborative DC2HC is funded by the Centers for Disease Control’s National Cardiovascular Health Program (CDC-RFA-DP-23-004), and consists of health systems, community-based organizations (CBO), Community Health Workers (CHWs), social workers, patient navigators, pharmacists, other care team members, local and tribal health departments, payors, statewide organizations, and other organizations with interest and experience in advancing heart health in our communities. 

Members of the DC2HC collaborative work together to support programs and actions to improve cardiovascular health outcomes for all people in Dane County, particularly those with or at highest risk of poor cardiovascular health.

DC2HC goals are to:

  • Recruit, retain and sustain beneficial working relationships with community organizations, clinical systems and local advocates to create a collaborative working group to advance community needs related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and reduction. 
  • Advance Electronic Health Record (EHR) data management, usage, access and sharing to support community-clinical linkages and support team-based care.
  • Center and advocate for the growing community health worker labor force as critical components and leaders to the prevention and reduction of CVD. 
  • Support community organizations and partners to cultivate promising programs, technical platforms, and CHW participation and capacity building.
  • Ensure CHW participation on DC2HC.

Why is this Important?

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year. In Wisconsin alone, heart disease accounts for a significant portion of preventable deaths and contributes to rising healthcare costs. We know many risk factors for heart disease, such as diet, physical activity and smoking are modifiable through lifestyle changes. Our goal is to dive deeper into the social determinants that influence heart health disparities, such as housing, transportation, behavioral health and partnering with clinical quality improvement organizations, community health workers and others for a holistic approach. Together, we will make strides towards a healthier future and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a long, vibrant and fulfilling life - free from the burden of chronic disease.

Made Possible By Funding from:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How can I get involved?

  1. Join the Dane County Heart Health Alliance! Are you a community partner or heart health advocate looking to join a collaborative leadership team with the aim to advance cardiovascular health? Apply today at ffbww.link/hearthealth.

  2. Subscribe to the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness mailing list.

  3. Share with others about the importance of heart health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to help decrease risks.

  4. Learn more about Wear Red Day, our annual signature event with the goal of beating heart disease, together!