The American Heart Association with support from Coforma has assisted three local organizations in launching community-based blood pressure screening stations for veterans across the Greater Washington Region. Operation Second Chance, Platoon 22, and Prince George’s County Community College Military and Veteran Services are now equipped to help veterans measure their blood pressure and access needed treatment at places where they receive healthcare, housing support, education and career counseling.
A 2023 study of more than 4.8 million veterans found that 71% had hypertension. Delays and lack of treatment can lead to heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, strokes and premature death from cardiovascular disease. Community-based blood pressure screening stations are designed to expand access to hypertension detection and ongoing management through both professional screenings and home monitoring. These trusted community organizations enable trained staff and volunteers to conduct screenings accurately and regularly, integrate screenings into regular community events or services, and establish referral pathways to primary care providers and hypertension management resources.
The Heart Association works with community organizations by providing training, equipment and educational resources that empower both organizations and individuals to early detection and long-term management of hypertension. We also facilitate referrals to low-cost or free clinics, strengthening connections between community members and healthcare providers. Trust within communities is central to this work, as it drives engagement and empowers individuals to take action for their health.
If your organization is interested in implementing this kind of initiative or would like to learn more, reach out to Community Impact Director, Lucía Zegarra at lucia.zegarra@heart.org.
Written by Molly O’Keefe, health strategies intern