It often has no symptoms, but high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, vision loss and kidney failure. In fact, 33.8% of Mohawk Valley adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association, a global force for a world of longer, healthier lives, and the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund, are working together to change that.
ON Wednesday, June 11, at 11 a.m., at The Center, 201 Bleecker St., Utica, a ceremony unveiled the blood pressure kiosk made possible by the two organizations. It is one of three in the community. The other two are at the Mohawk Valley Latino Association and 50 Forward.
During the presentation, Sheila Cuccaro announced the Fund’s continuing commitment to the American Heart Association.
“The American Heart Association holds a special place for us,” said Sheila Cuccaro of The Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund. “Heart disease has affected generations of our family and been the cause of their passing. Just this past April my brother, my only living immediate family member, suffered a heart attack and a stroke simultaneously. Thanks to the Heart Association’s research, he is recovering with minimal side effects. These three blood pressure kiosks will help residents of the Mohawk Valley know whether they are at risk for ‘the silent killer,’ high blood pressure. We want the work to continue, and we want to be part of it. To do that, we will make another $50,000 gift to the American Heart Association. We know this will continue to save lives.”
This donation brings the gifts from The Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund to the American Heart Association to a total of $200,000.
“We are humbled by the ongoing commitment the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund has to the American Heart Association, and thank them for this most recent gift,” said Amy DeMetri, branch manager of loanDepot and chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association. “These three kiosks are here because of their generosity, and it’s exciting to think how we can continue to improve the health of residents in the Mohawk Valley with their continued support.More than a third of Mohawk Valley residents have high blood pressure. There are many more who don’t even know they have it. Clients of the three organizations receiving kiosks can check to see if they are affected by high blood pressure and be connected to primary care if they get a high reading. We are making a difference in our community.”
“At The Center, we serve a richly diverse population, who often face barriers to preventive health care,” said Shelly Callahan, executive director of The Center. ” Accessible health screening tools like this kiosk are critical in helping our community detect issues like high blood pressure early, especially for individuals managing language and cultural obstacles to care”.
“For many of our clients, this kiosk is more than just a machine—it’s a bridge to better health,” said Sonia Martinez, executive director of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association.
“It empowers our community members to take control of their health by giving them an easy, accessible way to track their blood pressure, often for the first time in their lives.”
“At 50 Forward, our goal is to empower older adults to live healthier, more independent lives,” said Kelly Walters, executive director of 50 Forward. “This blood pressure machine is a vital tool, enabling them to proactively monitor their heart health and take timely action, ultimately helping to prevent serious cardiovascular issues.”