What happens when you survive the unimaginable? In this deeply moving and life-saving episode, Dr. Nicole sits down with Tara Robinson—heart attack survivor, speaker, and co-founder of the Black Heart Association. After surviving multiple heart attacks, including a near-death experience caused by a 99% blockage in her “widow maker” artery, Tara transformed her personal trauma into a crusade for health equity.
Together, they dive into the stark realities of cardiovascular risk in Black communities, how to recognize subtle symptoms before it’s too late, and the life-saving power of self-advocacy. Tara shares how faith, education, and community-centered care are driving her mission to save lives through mobile health clinics—proving that true healing requires us to take charge of our health mind, body, and spirit.
About Tara Robinson
Tara Robinson is a survivor, speaker, and co-founder of the Black Heart Association, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing cardiovascular-related deaths and improving heart health awareness in underserved communities. After surviving multiple heart attacks, including a near-death experience connected to a 99% blockage in her widowmaker artery, Tara turned her pain into purpose by creating programs that bring free screenings, education, and hope directly to the community.
Through the Black Heart Association’s mobile health work, Tara helps provide access to blood pressure checks, glucose and A1C testing, EKGs, lipid panels, Lp(a) testing, kidney health education, and mental health support. Her mission is rooted in faith, service, and health equity, with a heart for reaching people who may be unaware of their risks. Tara’s work continues to inspire individuals and families to take charge of their health, protect their hearts, and choose better, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Key Points
00:20 Introduction
00:40 What the Black Heart Association is
1:55 Tara’s warning signs
3:15 Tara’s doctor’s appointment
4:55 How stress can camouflage other symptoms
5:50 What Tara wishes she had done differently
6:40 Not minimizing your symptoms
10:20 The goal of the Black Heart Association
11:00 Advocating for yourself
13:00 How the system works
14:30 Showing up as a patient
15:30 Tara’s journey with her heart attack
18:45 You experience all stages of grief
19:40 Tara did something with her journey
21:00 Tara’s first heart association
22:00 You have to educate yourself
22:53 Where you can find the Black Heart Association
24:15 Free heart screenings
26:00 Speaking in a language that the community can understand
28:00 You are your sister’s keeper
30:00 It takes a community
30:45 Where you can find Tara
32:00 The mental toll of heart problems
34:00 Conclusion
Episode Resources
Follow The Black Heart Association on Instagram @blackheartassociation
Follow The Black Heart Association on Facebook Black Heart Association
Visit Tara Robinson’s site: BlackHeartAssociation.org
Connect with Dr. Nicole
Follow the Podcast @theblackwomansconfidant
Follow Dr. Nicole on Instagram @drnicolepsych
Follow Dr. Nicole on Facebook Dr. Nicole Psych
Follow Dr. Nicole on X @drnicolepsych
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#HeartHealth #BlackHeartAssociation #CardiovascularHealth #PatientAdvocacy #WomenInHealth #BlackWomansConfidant #HealthEquity
