TULSA, Oct. 4, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, and the YMCA of Greater Tulsa and have joined forces to expand access to blood pressure monitoring, health education and connections to care through the installation of community blood pressure stations at all 15 YMCA locations across the Tulsa area.
The effort comes at a critical time for Oklahoma, where nearly 38% of adults report having high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. For many individuals, blood pressure screening is the first step in understanding cardiovascular risk and identifying the need for follow-up care.
Each YMCA location features a blood pressure monitor, educational materials and a Clinical Connect card that helps individuals locate nearby free or low-cost health clinics. Together, the resources are designed to increase awareness, encourage preventive care and help community members better understand their health.
"Many people don't know they have high blood pressure until they experience a serious health event," said Megan Charlot, community impact director for the American Heart Association in Oklahoma. "By providing blood pressure monitoring stations in every YMCA of Greater Tulsa location, we're removing barriers to awareness and giving people the opportunity to check their numbers during their everyday routines.”
The partnership also supports the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Health Initiative™, which promotes awareness of the connection between heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. Tulsa is one of only 15 cities nationwide selected to participate in the four-year initiative, which seeks to improve awareness, screening and management of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic conditions.
"Our YMCA locations serve thousands of people each month, creating a unique opportunity to increase awareness around cardiovascular health," said Jenn Corley, vice president of healthy living for the YMCA of Greater Tulsa. "By making blood pressure monitoring and health education available where people already live, work and exercise, we're helping remove barriers and encouraging healthier communities throughout the Tulsa area."
"Knowing your numbers is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health," Charlot added. "These stations make it easy for people to get a quick snapshot of their health and start a conversation about changes that could save their life."
With stations available throughout the YMCA of Greater Tulsa network, the initiative has the potential to reach thousands of community members each month with preventive health resources and pathways to care.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than a hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
