American Heart Association distributes 300 blood pressure kits

Contributed January 2024 – The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, distributed more than 300 self-monitoring blood pressure kits in partnership with Crossroad Health Center in Greater Cincinnati. This effort is part of the Association’s “Building Healthier, Safer Communities Together” program, a collaboration with community-based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers in 16 historically under-resourced communities across the country, funded by Elevance Health Foundation. In the U.S., high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Since June 2023, Crossroad Health Center has offered community members at risk for high blood pressure a kit with the tools they need to assess and self-monitor blood pressure regularly. The kits included patient education materials and items such as pill organizers, digital scales, a blood pressure monitor and more, as well as instructions on how to use the items and log individuals’ numbers.& According to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, accurate blood pressure numbers are critical to the diagnosis of hypertension and monitoring the effect of its treatment. Also, blood pressure is a key component of cardiovascular disease risk prediction. Provided High blood pressure...