Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adult Mississippians.

To address the problem and help educate the public about the importance of making healthy life choices, Manna Ministries has been offering the Heart 2 Heart program.  

Two organizations working to provide that assistance, Manna Ministries and the Dr. Arenia C. Mallory Community Health Center in Holmes County, each received $180,000 worth of grant funding from the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation Monday morning during a press conference and round table discussion at Resurrection Life in Picayune. 

After presentation of the checks, Senator Angela Hill read a proclamation from Gov. Phil Bryant naming Feb. 1, 2016 as Cardiovascular Health Day. 

The aim of both organizations is to educate the public on proper eating habits, and entice people suffering from heart health problems to make lifestyle changes. 

Aurora King, who is a volunteer nurse practitioner with Manna Ministries, said the problem is that most people don’t seek help until they have a health problem. 

That is why, said Highland Community Hospital Administrator

Mark Stockstill, education of young people is just as crucial as educating those who have become ill. 

There’s evidence that the programs do work. King said according to her data, 67 percent of the participants in Picayune’s program have seen a measureable decrease in cholesterol and improvements in their ability to control their diabetes. 

The stats don’t stop there, according to information provided by Manna Ministries, 51 percent of participants have lowered their triglycerides by about 40 points, 79 percent have lowered their blood pressure and 87 percent say they are now working out two or more times a week. Additionally, close to 90 percent say they have begun to practice healthier eating habits. 

Manna Ministries has been so successful with the program it has expanded to include a free clinic in Poplarville, which also offers the Heart 2 Heart program. That clinic has been open for more than a year now.

Manna Ministries Executive Director Jameye Martin said Monday’s donation is enough to keep the Heart 2 Heart program going for at least another year. Even if the foundation is unable to provide another grant next year, Martin said she will find some way to keep it going through local donations and other funding options.