The month of May was an important opportunity to raise awareness about hypertension and its relationship to stroke and heart attack. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) to offer free blood pressure screening in all five communities.

Staffed by skilled volunteer nurses and medical students from Chelsea Hospital, Henry Ford Health Jackson, University of Michigan, and retired volunteers, 5HF offered screening at local senior centers, libraries, and farmers markets. Over 90 individuals were screened and almost half were referred to their primary care physicians for appropriate medical follow-up.

Hypertension awareness and stroke prevention go hand in hand. Volunteer screeners reported that this one-on-one counseling opportunity helped to reassure residents in the community that resources are available to decrease risk factors for both.

Knowing your numbers and learning how to monitor your own blood pressure are also important steps to take in the fight against stroke and heart disease. Use the QR code below to watch the AHA’s video and learn more.

Thank you again to our medical providers in the 5 Healthy Towns region for supporting this service in our communities.

Thank You American Heart Association and Community Health Care Partners