Cardiovascular diseases and risk factors for minoritized communities Part II: Translating knowledge to mobilizing communities and implementing interventions.

Abstract

This paper introduces the second installment of the two-issue series in the Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community with a focused theme on "Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors for Minoritized Communities." Building on Part I, which examined cardiovascular health disparities through intersectional and multiscale frameworks, Part II shifts attention from understanding inequities to translating knowledge into action through community engagement and intervention. The paper situates cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities within structural contexts shaped by systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, environmental exposures, and inequitable healthcare access that disproportionately affect minoritized populations. The articles in this issue highlight community-engaged and practice-oriented approaches to addressing cardiometabolic risk across diverse settings. Collectively, these contributions demonstrate the value of integrating clinical care with social support systems, strengthening community capacity, and leveraging culturally grounded strategies to improve prevention and disease management. The issue also explores how structural disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, interact with chronic disease burden to heighten vulnerability among older adults and underserved groups, underscoring the importance of resilience-focused and system-level interventions. The paper concludes with a call for research and practice that combines intersectional and multilevel perspectives with implementation of science and community-based participatory approaches to ensure interventions are culturally relevant, scalable, and sustainable. By emphasizing empowerment, partnership, and structural accountability, Part II underscores the importance of moving beyond documenting disparities toward mobilizing communities and implementing solutions to advance cardiovascular health equity among minoritized populations.