Immediate Release

Media Contact: 

Adjoa Kyerematen

akyerematen@nmqf.org

202-220-8505 

National Minority Quality Forum Launches “There’s Levels to This” Campaign to Advance Hyperlipidemia Education—Just in Time for National Lipid Day

Washington D.C. (May 8, 2026)—In recognition of National Lipid Day, an annual observance focused on cholesterol awareness and cardiovascular health, the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF)’s Center for Communications and Public Affairs is proud to announce the launch of its new public education campaign, “There’s Levels to This,” designed to help individuals better understand hyperlipidemia and take control of their heart health through clear, culturally relevant education.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black Americans were 35% more likely than the overall U.S. population to die from heart and blood vessel diseases in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for clearer, culturally relevant education around cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular risk. Hyperlipidemia—commonly known as high cholesterol—is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, yet many people do not fully understand what their cholesterol numbers mean or how to take action. 

From understanding the difference between ‘high cholesterol’ and hyperlipidemia to navigating medications, insurance coverage, food choices, and lifestyle changes, the campaign highlights the many ‘levels’ involved in managing heart health. For many people, cholesterol care can feel overwhelming and overly clinical, with unfamiliar medical terms and conflicting information creating confusion instead of clarity. “There’s Levels to This” was designed to help break that down in a way that feels understandable, practical, and actionable. At the core of the campaign is a suite of patient-centered educational materials developed with direct input from community members through NMQF’s online Lift Every Voice Listening Lab, where patients and community members review materials and share feedback on health information and lived experiences. These resources are designed to meet people where they are and support informed decision-making.

Campaign Resources Include:

• Numbers Don’t Lie — Cholesterol Edition
  A clear, easy-to-understand guide to LDL, HDL, and triglycerides—what your numbers mean and how they impact your health.
• Heart Meds Made Easy
  A straightforward overview of common cholesterol medications, how they work, and tips for taking them correctly and confidently.
• Sticking with Treatment
  Practical strategies to help patients stay consistent with medications and lifestyle changes, even when it gets challenging.
• Everyday Food & Grooves for a Healthy Heart
  Real-life, culturally relevant tips for eating well and staying active in ways that feel natural, enjoyable, and sustainable.
• Digital Health Tools for Heart Health & Cholesterol
  A curated guide to apps, trackers, and online tools that can help monitor cholesterol levels and support healthier habits.
• Working With Your Insurance Provider
  A helpful resource to navigate coverage, understand benefits, and advocate for access to necessary medications and care.

The campaign is grounded in real community insights. As one Black adult male Listening Lab participant from Houston shared after reviewing the materials:

“Now I know the different types of cholesterol and how they work. I knew there was bad and good cholesterol but didn’t know which was which. It was informative and easy to understand. I’ve been off and on borderline diabetic for a few years now. I didn’t know there was a correlation to cholesterol.”

“Many people hear terms like ‘high cholesterol,’ ‘lipids,’ or ‘hyperlipidemia’ in a doctor’s office without fully understanding what they mean or how serious they can become over time,” said Adjoa Kyerematen, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at NMQF. “That confusion can delay action. This campaign is about helping people make sense of the numbers, the terminology, the risks, and the treatment options before a serious cardiovascular event occurs. People deserve clear, culturally relevant information that helps them understand what’s happening in their bodies and what steps they can take to protect their health.”

Recognizing that food is deeply tied to culture, identity, and tradition, NMQF developed resources that respect those connections while supporting healthier choices.

“Changing the way we eat isn’t just about swapping ingredients—it’s about shifting habits that are often rooted in generations of culture, tradition, and connection,” said Taylarr Lopez, Health Communications Director at NMQF. “We recognize that can be difficult, which is why the Everyday Food & Grooves for a Healthy Heart guide was designed to meet people where they are—offering practical, culturally relevant alternatives that still honor flavor, tradition, and joy while supporting better heart health.”

By centering health literacy and culturally grounded communication, “There’s Levels to This” reflects NMQF’s ongoing commitment to advancing equitable health outcomes and empowering communities with the knowledge they need to thrive. To explore the campaign and access the full suite of educational resources, visit TheresLevelsToThis.org. 

About the National Minority Quality Forum

Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a United States-based, health care research, education, and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity by assuring optimal care for all. The mission is to reduce patient risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, disabilities, and death while also promoting high-quality, long lives, particularly for the most vulnerable. NMQF utilizes data and research to support and mobilize healthcare organizations, leaders, policymakers, and patients in advocating for optimal care for every individual, especially those in minoritized communities. For more information, please visit http://www.nmqf.org.