The Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure initiative—focused on removing barriers to accurate blood pressure measurement and improving early diagnosis and treatment in partnership with healthcare providers in West, Southwest and North Philadelphia—recently teamed up with Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout (YEAH Philly).
YEAH Philly, a nonprofit serving teens and young adults impacted by violence, brings a community‑centered approach to wellness and prevention. Together, the two organizations launched a seven‑week pilot program this winter, engaging youth and young adults in education and hands‑on activities focused on heart health and overall well‑being.
Using resources from the American Heart Association, this innovative series covered essential topics including:
- Hands-Only CPR: equipping participants to respond confidently in a cardiac emergency
- Sleep Hygiene: understanding the role of rest in long-term health
- Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Stroke Awareness: learning how these factors impact heart health
- Family Health History: looking at parents, grandparents and close relatives to identify trends and understand how those patterns fit into their own lives
The goal was simple yet powerful: empower participants to make informed choices, respond in emergencies and take steps toward healthier lives. Attendees of the program, ages 16–23, also received referral resources for smoking cessation and other preventive care.
At the end of December, participants celebrated their final session by receiving certificates of completion, CPR manikins to continue practicing their Hands-Only CPR skills and the knowledge to live a longer, healthier life.
The results speak volumes:
✅ 100% of surveyed participants felt confident in responding to cardiac arrest
✅ Awareness of the importance of maintaining heart health jumped from 80% to 100%
✅ Overall knowledge of heart health significantly increased from the start to the end of the program
By investing in education early, the Heart Association is building a generation that understands the impact of heart health and is ready to take action.
Learn more about Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure initiative and how you can get involved at https://easternstates.heart.org/team-up-to-take-down-high-blood-pressure/