The American Heart Association’s Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative is expanding access to care, bridging community-clinical gaps and tackling racial disparities in hypertension management.
High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects half of adults (47%) in the United States and remains a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke[1], according to the American Heart Association. To address this pressing health concern, the Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, launched the Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative in Buffalo to improve heart health outcomes. The local effort is part of a nationwide initiative.
“This initiative is about more than just numbers; 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 American Heart Association Buffalo. “By working closely with local organizations and fostering meaningful community connections, the American Heart Association is helping to create lasting change for those most impacted by high blood pressure here in Buffalo.”
The Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative focuses on underserved populations by addressing gaps in care and promoting health equity through community-centered approaches.
Amplifying Change in Buffalo
The Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative is making a measurable difference in the city of Buffalo where local efforts are transforming how residents manage their blood pressure and access care. Community-based organizations and health care organizations are collaborating to connect individuals to care, provide resources and improve health outcomes.
Several local organizations in this collaboration have established accessible blood pressure stations across the city, allowing community members to check their blood pressure for free and connect with trusted health care professionals. Educational resources available at these hubs offer culturally relevant guidance and education allowing individuals to understand their health better and take meaningful steps to manage high blood pressure. These efforts have helped community members gain access to resources they may not have known were available, demonstrating the tangible impact of local collaboration.
Residents and organizations interested in participating in the initiative can reach out to Laurie Napoleone at Laurie.Napoleone@Heart.org.
The Initiative at a Glance
The initiative is built on three interconnected strategies that address the needs of individuals and communities:
- Implementation Science Hypertension Cohort: Collaborating with clinics and health care professionals to refine processes, enhance care delivery and ensure sustainable progress in blood pressure control rates.
- Community to Clinical Care Linkages: Setting up blood pressure stations in accessible locations and ensuring individuals are connected to health care professionals for follow-up care and support. These stations, supported by community-based organizations and health centers, provide a critical bridge between at-home monitoring and professional medical guidance. See below for a list of locations where blood pressure screenings are currently available through this initiative. This collaboration ensures residents have access to care and resources needed to manage their blood pressure effectively.
- Patient Engagement and Support: Offering culturally relevant resources and educational tools to help individuals and families better understand and manage blood pressure.
These strategies aim to mitigate barriers to care and create opportunities for individuals to achieve lasting health improvements.
Blood pressure screening kiosks are currently hosted by several community-based organizations and available at the following sites:
Hosted by the YMCA
- 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
Hosted by Buffalo Center for Health Equity
- 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
Hosted by D’Youville University
- D’Youville University Hub (Fridays only), 301 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213
- St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell St, Buffalo, NY 14204
Hosted by Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network (BPPN)
- Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208
Hosted by Buffalo Go Green
- Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
- Buffalo Urban League, Inc., 15 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203
All kiosk locations are subject to change based on community needs and increased access to care.
By strengthening local relationships and expanding access to care, the American Heart Association’s Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative is helping to prevent life-threatening complications like heart attacks and strokes. This initiative is working to connect individuals with the tools and care they need to manage high blood pressure effectively.
To learn more about blood pressure management and available resources, visit heart.org/hbp.
[1] S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2025 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2025;151:e1–e620. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303