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The Black Heart Association highlights that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among Americans.
AUSTIN, Texas — During SXSW 2026, a nonprofit organization is offering free heart health assessments to raise awareness about heart disease risks and encourage early detection.
The Dallas-based Black Heart Association (BHA) is providing these free screenings throughout the event. Both BHA and the American Heart Association confirm that heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States, affecting individuals from all backgrounds.
BHA co-founder Fredrick Robinson explained that heart disease was once thought to primarily affect older men, but the organization is now seeing cases in much younger people.
Robinson noted that some individuals as young as 8 years old have suffered fatal heart attacks, highlighting the importance of early screenings and preventive care.
Heart disease has also personally affected Robinson’s co-founder and wife.
"My wife and I were caught totally off guard when she suffered her heart attacks," Robinson said. "In 2024, on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, she experienced three consecutive heart attacks—the third being a major one with 99% blockage in her main coronary artery. We were dismissed twice because she was young, fit, and we were eating well, doing all the right things."
Robinson emphasized, "If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone."
To combat this issue, BHA travels nationwide to provide free health screenings to communities. The test involves a small finger prick and placing four drops of blood onto a testing card.
The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and participants receive an email notification when their results are available through an online portal.
"The tests are processed, and they’ll get an email notification when the results are ready," Robinson said. "Their portal explains everything screened in simple terms."
The screening evaluates several health indicators, including blood sugar levels, kidney function, a complete lipid panel, and genetic predisposition to heart attacks or strokes.
Robinson stressed that heart disease does not discriminate by ethnicity or age. However, data from the American Heart Association shows Black Americans face higher risks due to factors like limited healthcare access, fewer healthy food options, and broader societal challenges.
BHA aims to reduce these barriers by bringing screenings directly to communities, helping people better understand their heart health.
Anyone interested in a free screening can visit the organization’s booth at SXSW on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Austin.
