Detroit Health System Partners with Faith Ministries for Heart Health Fair

Henry Ford Health System's Faith Community Nursing Network hosts 'Love Your Heart' event at New Calvary Baptist Church to provide health screenings and education.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Henry Ford Health System's Faith Community Nursing Network recently held a 'Love Your Heart' health fair at New Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit, offering free health screenings, education, and resources to help improve cardiovascular health in the community. The event was part of the health system's ongoing efforts to address health disparities, especially among older African Americans who face higher rates of heart disease and related conditions.

Why it matters

Improving heart health is crucial for reducing racial health disparities, as African Americans are diagnosed with hypertension 26% more frequently and die from heart disease 35% more often than the general population. By partnering with trusted faith-based organizations, Henry Ford Health System is able to better reach and serve older adults who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare.

The details

The 'Love Your Heart' health fair featured a variety of health-related vendors, screenings, and educational resources. Attendees could get their blood pressure checked, learn CPR, receive free massages, and get information on healthier eating and lifestyle habits. The event was part of the health system's Faith Community Nursing Network, which operates in over 50 churches and faith-based institutions across southeast Michigan.

  • The 'Love Your Heart' health fair was held on February 7, 2026.
  • In 2024, African Americans were diagnosed with hypertension 26% more frequently than the total U.S. population, according to the Office for Minority Health.
  • In 2022, non-Hispanic Black people died from heart disease 35% more frequently than the total population, according to the CDC.

The players

Henry Ford Health System

A nonprofit health system based in Detroit that operates the Faith Community Nursing Network to partner with local faith-based organizations and improve community health.

New Calvary Baptist Church

A church in Detroit's east side that hosted the 'Love Your Heart' health fair in partnership with Henry Ford Health System.

Janet Banks-McElrath

The Detroit coordinator of Henry Ford Health's Faith Community Nursing Network.

Elaine Wallace

An 80-year-old Detroit resident who attended the health fair to get her blood pressure checked and learn about healthier eating habits.

Pamela McGruder

A 60-year-old Detroit resident who attended the health fair to be an advocate for her own health.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so happy. I get to get my blood pressure checked and talk about whether I'm eating right. I know I need to stop eating so much sugar. My mother and father both had diabetes; I'm trying not to get it. I have to cut back on my Coca-Cola.”

— Elaine Wallace (freep.com)

“Church is one of the best places to find older adults. Also, information from faith leaders is trusted information.”

— Janet Banks-McElrath, Detroit coordinator of Henry Ford Health's Faith Community Nursing Network (freep.com)

“I saw the notice about the health fair on Facebook. I came because I know I need to be an advocate for my health.”

— Pamela McGruder (freep.com)

The takeaway

By partnering with trusted faith-based organizations like New Calvary Baptist Church, Henry Ford Health System is able to better reach and serve older adults in underserved communities, providing vital health screenings, education, and resources to help address racial disparities in heart health and improve overall community wellness.