NHFHS, American Heart Association and Meals on Wheels Start Blood Pressure Monitoring Program
NHFHS is pleased to partner with the American Heart Association (AHA) and Meals on Wheels to launch a blood pressure monitoring program for community members living with hypertension. “High blood pressure is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death,” said Kelly Wilkins, Executive Director with the American Heart Association. “Through this collaboration, we are able to serve those in need and connect them with services to improve their overall health.”
AHA provided health resources, including blood pressure cuffs, to New Horizon Family Health Services patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension. NHFHS’ Nurse Patient Care Coordinator/Educators will work with these individuals to help them monitor and manage their blood pressure from home. Individuals will also be provided healthy meals through the Meals on Wheels delivery service. “Meals on Wheels is honored to be a part of this collaborative effort to provide nutritious meals in conjunction with support for healthier lifestyles that can impact cardiac health” said Catriona Carlisle, Executive Director with Meals on Wheels. Good nutrition is an important part of managing blood pressure. Together, these organizations are helping individuals reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiac death.
“This collaboration furthers our organization’s mission of improving the health of the communities we serve by providing NHFHS’ Nurse Patient Care Coordinator/Educators an additional tool when working with patients diagnosed with high blood pressure to help manage this chronic condition,” said Regina M. Mitchell, New Horizon Family Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer.
The American Heart Association presented the blood pressure cuffs to New Horizon Family Health Services. From left-right: Kelly Wilkins – Executive Director, American Heart Association; Catriona Carlisle – Executive Director, Meals on Wheels; and Triva Smith – Care Management Supervisor, New Horizon Family Health Services.
High blood pressure affects more than 100 million adults in the U.S. and over 50% of people living with high blood pressure don’t know they have it. “Knowing your numbers is the first step to controlling your blood pressure,” said Wilkins. “We are grateful for the collaboration with New Horizon Family Health Services and Meals on Wheels because together, we can accomplish so much more.”