Information on the HEART Hub Research Lab
The Health Equity through Advocacy, Risk-reduction, and Transformation (HEART) Hub is a community-based collaborative research lab led by Dr. Francoise Knox-Kazimierczuk. At the HEART Hub, we are dedicated to advancing Black women’s health, with a primary focus on maternal health. Our mission is to address chronic diseases and health disparities through culturally tailored nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
Central to our work is the convening of community to co-create the learning, social experiences, and political movements necessary to thrive. Guided by the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), we build meaningful relationships with underserved populations, collaborating to develop programs and interventions that reflect their needs and priorities.
Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk has worked extensively in Black women’s health, researching gestational hypertension and diabetes, addressing breastfeeding disparities, exploring the birthing experiences of Black women in Hamilton County, Ohio. These studies have provided invaluable insights, directly informing local programs aimed at reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
As we look toward the future, our work continues to bring us closer together, focusing on equitable solutions and thriving outcomes for Black women and their families. Thank you for visiting our site, and we invite you to join us on this vital journey. Learn more about our work and how you can support us!