This year, Mission NOVA and the American Heart Association collaborated to expand heart health support for the organization’s community. Mission NOVA serves low-income individuals and families across Northern Virginia who are experiencing poverty, food insecurity and housing instability. Through its food and clothing distribution pantry, ESL classes, computer training, parenting education, legal aid, social services, pastoral care and other supportive programs, the organization serves approximately 1,400 individuals each month. The majority of clients are Spanish-speaking, making culturally and linguistically appropriate services essential to meeting community needs.
To address barriers to healthcare access and promote cardiovascular health, the Association helped Mission NOVA establish a community blood pressure screening station. The station was placed in the room where clients access the clothing closet each week, allowing individuals to monitor their blood pressure while receiving other services in a familiar and trusted setting. This strategic placement increased awareness of hypertension, encouraged early identification of elevated blood pressure and expanded access to preventive health resources.
To support implementation, the Association provided a validated blood pressure monitor, blood pressure positioning posters, educational infographics and a blood pressure education and training session in Spanish for Mission NOVA staff and partner organizations serving clients at the site. These resources helped ensure accurate blood pressure measurement and equipped staff to effectively support the predominantly Spanish-speaking population they serve.
During project planning and training discussions, Mission NOVA staff identified healthcare access as a significant challenge for many clients due to eligibility requirements, cost and other systemic barriers. In response, the Association provided a directory of low-cost and free clinics to support referrals and strengthen community-to-clinic linkages. Through this collaboration, Mission NOVA expanded access to cardiovascular health resources, increased opportunities for blood pressure monitoring in a high-traffic community space and created a pathway for community members to connect with follow-up care and support services.
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.