SAN ANGELO, Texas, Dec. 13, 2023 – The American Heart Association’s HeartCorps initiative and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Concho Valley invite area individuals and families to attend a Health Fair from 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Boys & Girls Club, 2762 Ben Ficklin Road, in San Angelo. The event is free and open to the public.

Offerings will include blood pressure screenings, hands-only CPR training, Health assessments and referrals to health care. Participants can expect to learn about mammograms, WIC, healthy eating and proper nutrition, 12-step recovery, behavioral health and grief support. Nearly every major health topic will be covered.

“Just because you’re in a small town doesn’t mean your health should not be a small topic,” said HeartCorps Service Member Diana Villarreal.

HeartCorps service members like Villarreal work with host sites - health centers, community organizations, public health departments or other qualified locations - to help people improve and control their blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.

Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure, and many don’t know they have it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a silent killer that causes unnecessary and inequitable disease, disability and death, robbing us of precious time with loved ones. It can cause heart attacks, heart failure, stroke and other devastating conditions.

Under-resourced communities and those living in rural areas face the highest death rates due to hypertension. Making matters worse, rural communities face a critical shortage of health care professionals, including public health workers, which negatively impacts the care rural residents receive.

The AHA is committed to addressing these inequities and improving blood pressure control and cardiovascular health in rural communities throughout the US.

Other organizations participating in the forthcoming health fair include 211 Social Services, ADACCV, Angel Home Health, Celebrate Recovery, La Esperanza, the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health, Methodist Health Ministries, MHMR Concho Valley, Shannon Medical Center and WIC.

Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Villarreal at diana.villarreal.heartcorps@heart.org  for more information.

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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org