More than 100 million Americans have high blood pressure. Many people are unaware they have it because blood pressure often has no symptoms, leading to its name, “the silent killer.” It is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
A new blood pressure kiosk at the Capital District Latinos Cultural Empowerment and Community Engagement Center is making it possible for center and community members to know if they have this risk. The kiosk is part of the American Heart Association’s initiative called “Embracing Community Care” and is sponsored by MVP Health Care.
Today, May 6, the Capital District Latinos, the American Heart Association and MVP Health Care came together to officially unveil the kiosk.
“During Blood Pressure Education Month and American Stroke Month, it’s critical that we bring accessible, preventative health tools directly into our communities,” said Micky Jimenez, Capital District Latinos, regional executive director of the Capital District. “At Capital Direct Latinos, we serve a large Latino population and other communities of color—groups that data consistently show are disproportionately impacted by hypertension and stroke. Having a blood pressure kiosk available on-site is a powerful step toward early detection, education and prevention. It empowers our staff, clients and neighbors to take control of their health in a simple, immediate way. We are deeply grateful to MVP for investing in this important American Heart Association resource and helping us advance health equity in the community we proudly serve.”
“Heart health is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress happens through partnership,” said Jackie Marciniak, director of community engagement at MVP Health Care. “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing health equity by bringing education and preventive resources directly into the community. Together with the American Heart Association and Capital District Latinos, we’re helping individuals take an important first step toward healthier lives.”
“We know that high blood pressure is a major health challenge, both here in the Capital Region and across New York,” said Mackenzie Shorter, senior director, community impact, for the American Heart Association. “One of the biggest issues is that too many people don’t even know they have it. The good news is that knowledge is power. Knowing your blood pressure is the first step toward taking control of your health and making meaningful change. We’re grateful that MVP Health Care chose to collaborate with us on our Embracing Community Care initiative, and we’re grateful that the Capital District Latinos are working alongside us to improve heart and brain health right here in the community.”
According to the 2026 Heart and Stroke Statistics of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, 51.5% of Hispanic males and 37.5% of Hispanic females had high blood pressure. A little more than half of male and female Hispanic people were aware of high blood pressure rates.