CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Village Heartbeat encourages exercise and self-care to keep you heart healthy.

• The Mecklenburg County program won the grand prize in the 'Healthiest Counties and Cities' contest
• Village Heartbeat trained 600 health ambassadors to promote healthy behaviors in congregations and the community
• Village Heartbeat plans to use at least part of the money to expand their programs

Today, their own hearts were bursting with joy after winning half a million dollars.

The Mecklenburg County program won the grand prize in the 'Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge' through the Aetna Foundation

Village Heartbeat trained 600 health ambassadors to promote healthy behaviors in congregations and the community.

They engaged more than 20,000 people across the county in exercise programs and initiatives to stop smoking.

Village Heartbeat plans to use at least part of the money to expand their programs across the state.