CHICAGO, August 28, 2024 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives, today announced the addition of a kiosk at a staple organization for nutrition security in the Chicagoland area. At the end of August, a blood pressure kiosk will debut at the Free N Deed Market in Dolton, Illinois.

The American Heart Association, Chicago has worked to place blood pressure kiosks in areas of Chicago that addressed underserved populations. Blood pressure kiosks allow people to measure their blood pressure quickly and efficiently via a user-friendly device that helps them understand their numbers and access referrals to further medical care.

The Free N Deed Market in Dolton provides 100% free groceries to residents of suburban Cook County and works with organizations including Midwest Food Bank in Bloomington, IL and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. A majority of community members who use Free N Deed ’s services are over 60 and on a fixed income.

“Information is prevention,” said Dr. Nicole Scott, Free N Deed Market’s founder and coordinator. “This new kiosk will empower our community members to make informed decisions about their lives and health. Combined with our focus on nutrition security and access to healthy food, we hope this collaboration will put Dolton on the map as a leader in the ongoing fight against the No. 1 killer of Americans – heart disease.”

The Chicago community impact team hopes to continue advancing both cardiac health and nutrition security with its implementation of blood pressure kiosks and cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) at these two new locations. The community impact team’s goal is to supply these communities’ residents with the agency to improve their health and save lives.

“Collaborations like these are the fabric of our mission. By providing visitors of Free N Deed Market with the tools to take control of and manage their health, we are able to add to the resources these staple organizations already provide,” said American Heart Association, Chicago community impact director, Mya Gamble. “We are empowering organizations to participate in the chain of survival and empowering patients to proactively address their risk factors before they become unmanageable. This gives residents the best chance of ensuring that they live longer, healthier lives along with their families, surrounding communities and the generations to come.”

The Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Free N Deed Market's new blood pressure kiosk will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Free N Deed Market (14200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Suite 117, Dolton, IL 60419). 
 

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

 

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Jorie Goins; Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org