Mission

Mission

OUR MISSION

To advance health equity by identifying and  eliminating disparities related to tobacco and other substance abuse, and improving other health outcomes through education, environmental strategies, and policy change for all youths and adults in Fulton County, Georgia.

THE IMPACT OF H.E.A.R.T.


·  In 2012, H.E.A.R.T. Coalition spearheaded passing a smoke-free ordinance for the City of Atlanta Parks and Fulton County Parks, promoting healthier environments for the community.

·  H.E.A.R.T. Coalition provided valuable support to the Fulton County School System in the revision of their tobacco policy, aligning it with the CDC Model 100% Tobacco-Free School Policy, ensuring a tobacco-free educational environment.

·  In September 2007, H.E.A.R.T. Coalition assisted the Atlanta Public School System in revising their tobacco policy to adhere to the CDC Model 100% Tobacco-Free School Policy, fostering a healthier learning environment for students and staff.

·  H.E.A.R.T. Coalition’s efforts have resulted in significant system and policy changes, positively impacting public health, and promoting smoke-free spaces in Atlanta and Fulton County.

OUR LEADERSHIP

VINCENT VANDIEGRIFF

Vincent Vandiegriff is the founder of Learn To Grow, Inc.  He is a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist trained by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention & Behavioral Development Section.  He is the Executive Director and Program Director of Learn To Grow, Inc. and Chairman of the H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education, Awareness, and Research on Tobacco) Coalition, Inc.

He has attended Georgia School of Addiction Studies and has been nominated for the Excellence In Prevention Award two years in a row. He has attended the “Service To Science Academy” sponsored by SAMHSA/CSAP for the Southeast (Georgia) area. His responsibilities and duties include organizing and participating in town hall meetings, teach-ins, lunch and learns, seminars, workshops and conferences to update and exchange pertinent information.

He provides technical assistance to other community based organizations as well as other entities with similar interest in designing, implementing, and evaluation of intervention and outreach strategies. He has direct involvement with communities by conducting health fairs, demonstrations, and workshops. He researches and delivers program services based on needs assessment as he is Certified Trainer of Trainers of several Research Based Prevention Curriculums. He researches possible funding sources, develops and writes proposals. He develops programs, and evaluates other organizations programs for effectiveness. He hires and trains staff. All staff members are trained to facilitate research based curriculums geared to reduce or prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among youth and adults. He implements programs, supervises staff, monitors payroll, ensures that programs are fiscally sound, ensures compliance with state and federal audit requirements, prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reports, oversees day to day operations, interacts with contractors, develops cooperative relationships with other community organizations and agencies, and gives direction to organization. He is also a youth leadership and advocacy facilitator.