February is all about love, and that includes taking care of your heart. As we recognize American Heart Month, conversations around heart health take center stage. One local nonprofit is working year-round to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and help young girls and families better understand how to care for their hearts.
Heart N Hands was founded by New Orleans native Essence Harris Banks after she was diagnosed with coronary artery disease despite having no prior symptoms. The experience made her realize the conversation around heart health needed to shift from reaction to prevention. After overcoming the disease, she launched Heart N Hands, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading awareness and empowering girls aged 10 to 18 with the message that heart health is truly in your hands.
Where Education Meets Empowerment
At the core of Heart N Hands’ work is its Love Your Heart Wellness Program, which focuses on three key areas: physical fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices. Each session is held at partnering schools in the greater New Orleans area and combines education with hands-on activities designed to empower girls while building lifelong habits.
By the end of the eight-week program, girls have tried yoga, pilates, running, dance, or group fitness sessions while learning how physical activity strengthens the heart. Nutrition lessons often include fruit and vegetable tastings, cooking demonstrations, and label-reading activities that encourage curiosity and confidence around healthy eating. Lifestyle education rounds introduce topics such as stress management, hydration, sleep, and self-care. Girls learn hands-only CPR, practice mindfulness through journaling and sound baths, and talk openly about balancing technology use and overall wellness.
One of Heart N Hands’ most impactful initiatives is its junior board, made up entirely of school-aged girls. These girls lead projects at their schools and bring heart health conversations directly to their classmates. From starting heart-healthy lunch clubs to organizing give-back projects and speaking to younger students, junior board members play an active role in shaping the organization’s outreach. “It was important to have the voice of the young girls,” Banks says. “They give us insight on what programs would be fun for them at their age.”
The Heart of the Mission
American Heart Month is a particularly meaningful time for Heart N Hands. Throughout February, the organization hosts fitness classes, free health screenings, and educational events across the city, while junior board members share heart health resources within their schools and communities. Banks recognizes that the ripple effect is powerful. “We hear many encouraging stories about what they are doing before the programs versus after,” Banks says. When girls learn about heart health, they bring those conversations home—encouraging parents, grandparents, and siblings to prioritize prevention as well, creating a generational effect.
Looking ahead, Heart N Hands continues to grow. At 11 years old, the organization has reached over 8,000 girls. In addition to its New Orleans chapter, the nonprofit has expanded to cities across the south. Signature events such as its annual Running for the Heart 5K/10K, gala fundraiser, and expanding youth sports clinics help fuel its mission.
“It doesn’t matter your race, your color, your neighborhood. It can happen to anybody at any time. Once you wait until something’s wrong, it could be too late,” Banks says. “We’re changing one life at a time, one heart at a time, and sharing that you have to take your heart health in your hands.”
For more information about Heart N Hands and opportunities to get involved, visit heartnhands.org.