MADISON, Wisconsin (June 19, 2024) - To improve blood pressure control and address health inequities in Madison, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease, is working in collaboration with Independent Pharmacy Cooperation, St. Paul A.M.E Church and SS Morris Community A.M.E. Church to offer blood pressure cuffs for community members to use.

“It's a great opportunity for my church,” said Kaonta Corbin, steward at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. “To not only provide outreach and evangelize in our community, but every time we have an event, people can have the opportunity to get a start on knowing what their blood pressure is on a regular basis.”

The two churches each were provided three blood pressure cuffs as part of the AHA’s Blood Pressure Screen and Refer Hubs program.

"We are so excited to launch these Blood Pressure Screen and Refer Hubs with SS Morris Community A.M.E. and St. Paul A.M.E. Churches,” said Zachary Wilks-Metrou, American Heart Association Wisconsin Community Impact Director. “We are very thankful for their passion in addressing high blood pressure needs in Madison. Establishing this blood pressure hub gives community members a more familiar and comfortable place they can go to check their blood pressure.”

Each church will have the blood pressure monitors available during church services, Covid vaccine clinics, food pantry days, health ministry days and other community- based events they host.

“The people at SS Morris Community AME church are looking forward to reaching God’s people where they are,” Sharisse Hancock, steward at SS Morries Community AME Church, said. “We look forward to this opportunity because now we can continue to incorporate Health into our ministry.”

Corbin said this opportunity was much needed.

“In this area, there isn’t a clinic nearby,” Corbin said. “So, to be able to walk across the street or walk around the corner to get your blood pressure checked is something we really need. It’s very important for this community. It’s important for people and their families.”

The goal is to eliminate barriers to accessing blood pressure monitoring. Residents in the area can now access a blood pressure monitor without visiting a medical provider’s office or spending their own money to purchase one. By removing the need for a medical visit, participants can measure their blood pressure in a safe and comfortable setting. This promotes consistent readings and increases the likelihood of capturing their normal baseline.

For more information on self-blood pressure monitoring, visit Heart.org/BloodPressure.


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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
Travis Sloan; Travis.Sloan@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org