May is Blood Pressure Education Month, and clients of the Roarke Center in Troy have the opportunity to know what their blood pressure is, thanks to a donation from the American Heart Association and Broadview Federal Credit Union.
On Wednesday, May 7, the Roarke Center, one of six outreach programs of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, demonstrated the blood pressure kiosk that the American Heart Association, through a sponsorship from Broadview Federal Credit Union, donated to the center.
“High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet is a leading risk factor for many kinds of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke,” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region; chief program officer at the Regional Food Bank; and senior pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church. “More than a third of Capital Region residents have high blood pressure. The kiosk at the Roarke Center means clients can check to see if they are affected by high blood pressure, and be connected to primary care if they get a high reading. With Broadview’s sponsorship, we are able to lessen the risk factors for heart disease and stroke in downtown Troy.”
“At Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, we are thrilled to partner with the American Heart Association and Broadview Federal Credit Union on such an important initiative,” said Jenn Hyde, executive director of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. “The Roarke Center serves as a vital hub of support and services for residents in the City of Troy and the surrounding communities. The addition of a blood pressure kiosk is another powerful tool that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and move toward a happier, healthier life. We strive to meet both the seen and unseen needs of our neighbors—we listen, and we act.”
“Broadview is committed to improving our community, and that includes making it possible for more people to be healthy,” said Kathy Lanni, chief community officer of Broadview Federal Credit Union. “We are longtime supporters of the American Heart Association because their work creates an environment that makes it easier to be healthy. The Roarke Center’s services touch thousands of lives each year. We’re glad to sponsor a program that lets their clients know exactly what their blood pressure is, and if it needs to change, to be able to take steps to improve it.”
The American Heart Association has placed 8000 self-monitoring blood pressure devices in the Capital Region as part of its efforts to improve health in the community.