Courtesy of the American Heart Association

High blood pressure, often called the silent killer, affects 47% adults in the United States, and remains a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) To address this pressing health concern, AHA has launched the Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative (Initiative) in Buffalo to improve heart health outcomes, which is part of a nationwide initiative.

“It’s about breaking down barriers to care and ensuring individuals can access the resources they need to live longer healthier lives,” said Laurie Napoleone, community impact director at the AHA Buffalo. The Initiative focuses on underserved populations by addressing gaps in care and promoting health equity through community-centered approaches, to ensure residents ability to access care and manage their blood pressure.

Several local organizations have joined the collaboration by establishing accessible blood pressure stations across the city, where residents can check their blood pressure for free and connect with trusted health care professionals. Educational resources available at these locations offer culturally relevant guidance and education to help individuals better understand their health and manage their blood pressure.

The Initiative is collaborating with health professionals and clinics to enhance care to ensure sustainable progress in blood pressure control rates; setting up blood pressure stations in accessible locations; and offering culturally relevant resources and educational tools to help individuals and families better understand and manage blood pressure. Blood pressure screening kiosks are currently hosted by the YMCA, Buffalo Center for Health Equity, D’Youville University, Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network (BPPN), and Buffalo Go Green. Locations include:

  • Ken-Ton Family YMCA, 535 Belmont Ave, Kenmore, NY 14223
  • Lockport Family YMCA, 5833 Snyder Dr, Lockport, NY 14094
  • William-Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William St, Buffalo, NY 14206
  • Southtowns YMCA, 1620 Southwestern Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14224
  • Harvest House Ministry Center, 175 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14210
  • CAO Head Start Academy, 909 E Ferry St, Buffalo, NY 14211
  • Salud Market, 1832 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14208
  • WUFO, 143 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203
  • D’Youville University Hub (Fridays only), 301 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213
  • St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell St, Buffalo, NY 14204
  • Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208
  • Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
  • Buffalo Urban League, Inc., 15 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203

Learn more about blood pressure management and available resources at heart.org/hbp. Residents and organizations interested in participating in the Initiative can contact Laurie Napoleone at Laurie.Napoleone@Heart.org.