Devices bring lifesaving access to Western Tidewater faith communities
Hypertension is often called the silent killer, a condition with no symptoms that greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In Western Tidewater, where high blood pressure is more common than in other parts of Hampton Roads, this threat has impacted families for generations.
As part of our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the American Heart Association – Hampton Roads, with grant support from the Obici Healthcare Foundation and collaboration from Sentara Health, has installed blood pressure monitoring kiosks in 10 local churches. These kiosks bring prevention and early detection tools directly into trusted community spaces.
Bringing Health Access into the Heart of the Community
East End Baptist Church in Suffolk was the first site to receive a kiosk, now prominently located and accessible to anyone entering the building. The kiosk offers simple, accurate, private blood pressure checks at no cost.
“Our congregation is focused on good health,” said Hattie Boone, health ministry leader and retired nursing director from Sentara Obici Hospital. “If people have a health issue, we always ask, ‘How can we help you?’”
A Collaborative Approach to Saving Lives
Sentara Health’s Health Impact & Engagement team and Sentara Medical Group’s Medical Education team developed a tailored health education curriculum for participating churches. Monthly on‑site sessions support hypertension awareness, health literacy, and accurate home monitoring.
“This initiative exemplifies Sentara’s approach to bridging clinical care with community health education,” said Vanessa Hill, manager of Health Impact & Engagement for Sentara Health.
Addressing Disparities Where They Are Deepest
In Western Tidewater, hypertension rates outpace the rest of Hampton Roads. Placing kiosks inside churches—spaces of trust and support—helps break down barriers to care and empowers people to take charge of their health.
“This initiative is a necessary step in addressing disparities in hypertension rates in Western Tidewater,” said Briana Ricks, Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association.
A Simple Tool with Powerful Impact
Members like Tim Wright, a retired Army nurse at East End Baptist, value how user-friendly the kiosk is. “It’s good to have that to show your doctor or keep for your records,” he said.
Faith Communities Leading the Way
Blood pressure kiosks have been installed at:
- Rising St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church – Suffolk, VA
- Temple Beth El – Suffolk, VA
- East End Baptist Church – Suffolk, VA
- Mineral Springs Baptist Church – Suffolk, VA
- New Life Church Global – Franklin, VA
- New Bethany UCC – Smithfield, VA
- New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries (COGIC) – Suffolk, VA
- Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center (TBOC) – Suffolk, VA
- Union Baptist Missionary Church – Suffolk, VA
- New Gospel Temple – Suffolk, VA
“We are thankful to the American Heart Association and Sentara for helping us, as pastors and members, to live toward a healthy lifestyle by having a kiosk installed in our churches,” said Pastor Douglas Jones of New Bethany UCC.
Why This Work Matters
- People in rural communities are 40% more likely to develop heart disease.
- High blood pressure affects 46.7% of U.S. adults.
- Hypertension is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Hypertension is detectable and manageable—and by increasing access to monitoring, education, and support, the American Heart Association – Hampton Roads is working to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and countless tragedies.