PORTLAND, Sept. 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association, in partnership with Providence Health Plan, is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to promote blood pressure control in the Portland community. Over the next three years, a total of 20 self-measured blood pressure programs will be introduced in clinics and community organizations across Oregon and Washington. This initiative aims to provide vital health resources, reduce barriers to care, and empower individuals to take control of their heart health.
The first organization to benefit from this initiative is the Portland Opportunities and Industrialization Center (POIC), where more than 3,000 students, families, and staff now have access to a new self-measured blood pressure program. This program includes blood pressure measurement kits that contain a clinically validated blood pressure device and cuff, an instruction booklet on how to properly take blood pressure readings, information on interpreting readings, and steps individuals can take to improve their blood pressure numbers. These kits are available on a loaner basis to POIC staff and students, allowing them to monitor and track their blood pressure readings effectively.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common yet serious condition that can lead to various health complications if left untreated. Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk for heart attack, kidney disease, stroke, and other health threats. By providing access to self-measured blood pressure programs, the American Heart Association and Providence Health Plan are taking proactive steps to educate and empower individuals to manage their blood pressure effectively.
Joe McFerrin II, President, and CEO of POIC, expressed his commitment to the well-being of Portland’s underserved youth, adults, and families through access to tools and resources for a healthy life. The self-measured blood pressure program aligns with POIC’s healthcare initiatives to mitigate risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention in maintaining heart health.
Providence Health Plan’s President and CEO, Don Antonucci, underscored the organization’s dedication to serving communities by enhancing access to health monitoring tools and resources. By collaborating with the American Heart Association on this initiative, Providence Health Plan aims to address health disparities and empower individuals to take charge of their health, ultimately improving overall health outcomes in the communities they serve.
The expansion of self-measured blood pressure programs in collaboration with the American Heart Association reflects a proactive approach to addressing cardiovascular health challenges in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Laurel Soot, Chief Medical Officer of Providence Health Plan and American Heart Association board member, highlighted the significance of the initiative in reducing health disparities and promoting cardiovascular wellness across the region. With a focus on health equity and community engagement, the initiative aims to deliver lasting improvements in cardiovascular health outcomes for individuals in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Meredith Collett, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Oregon and southwest Washington, emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations like Providence Health Plan in advancing health and hope for all community members. Through collaborative efforts, the American Heart Association is committed to achieving its vision of promoting longer, healthier lives for everyone, everywhere. The impact of this collaboration on health outcomes in the Pacific Northwest is expected to be significant, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals in the region.
As part of the American Heart Association’s Centennial year celebration in 2024, the organization continues its mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With a focus on ensuring equitable health in all communities, the American Heart Association collaborates with various organizations, advocates for public health, funds innovative research, and shares lifesaving resources. Through the dedication of millions of volunteers, the organization has been a leading source of health information for a century, with a vision to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the American Heart Association, Providence Health Plan, and community organizations like POIC represents a significant step towards promoting blood pressure control and improving cardiovascular health in the Portland community. By providing access to self-measured blood pressure programs and empowering individuals to monitor their heart health effectively, this initiative aims to reduce health disparities, promote health equity, and enhance overall well-being in the Pacific Northwest. Through ongoing partnerships and community engagement, the American Heart Association and its collaborators are working towards a future of longer, healthier lives for all.