On January 22, the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Philadelphia staff and Penn Medicine volunteers joined forces with the dedicated team at Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry in West Philadelphia. Together, they stocked the pantry, distributed food and provided blood pressure screenings to the local community. This volunteer effort is part of a larger initiative developed by AHA and Penn Medicine to address the high prevalence of high blood pressure in West and Southwest Philadelphia.
Through this three-year initiative, aptly named “Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure,” nine community-based organizations and three healthcare practices will work alongside Penn Medicine and the AHA to drive quality improvement in high blood pressure prevention and management, remove barriers to accurate self-measured blood pressure and raise awareness of the fact that this is a significant issue that is taking lives too soon in West and Southwest Philadelphia.
Specifically, the initiative aims to implement evidence-based protocols, including community-based blood pressure “screen and refer” measures to help people get treatment, programs where patients can monitor their blood pressure readings at home which are then sent to providers to allow for quicker recalibration of medications to achieve blood pressure control, and annual training for healthcare organizations to assess and build knowledge on how to take an accurate blood pressure reading.
Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry is one of three community partners for the first year of this initiative, which launched in November 2024. The primary objective of these community partners is to establish a strong community-to-clinic linkage. By doing so, they aim to educate the public on high blood pressure prevention and ensuring that individuals have access to the necessary resources and support to manage their overall health.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant health concern in Philadelphia. According to recent statistics, approximately 33% of adults in Philadelphia have hypertension. The prevalence is even higher among non-Hispanic Black adults, with 48% of non-Hispanic Black women and 42% of non-Hispanic Black men reporting hypertension. These alarming numbers highlight the urgent need for initiatives like Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure.
The collaboration between AHA and Penn Medicine, as well as with local organizations such as Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry is crucial in tackling this health issue. By providing blood pressure screenings and educational resources, they are empowering the community to take control of their health. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term health improvements.
The Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure initiative is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can make a significant difference in public health. By working together, AHA, Penn Medicine and their community partners are paving the way for a healthier future in West and Southwest Philadelphia.
If you are interested in supporting this initiative or learning more about hypertension prevention and management, contact Shaneaka.Rhoads@heart.org. Together, we can make a difference and help reduce the prevalence of hypertension in our communities.