Lynnwood Food Bank customers get assistance to achieve healthy blood pressure
SEATTLE, June 26,2024 – People who rely on the Lynnwood Food Bank are receiving more than just nourishment. The American Heart Association, the City of Lynnwood and Optum Care Washington have collaborated on a project to improve wellness by providing blood pressure screenings and other resources to help people in the community manage their health.
The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, has organized a blood pressure education and management program to support Lynnwood Food Bank shoppers in reducing their risk for heart disease and stroke. The Association, along with the City of Lynnwood and Optum Care Washington, launched the program on May 15, 2024 and screened more than 50 people for hypertension, or high blood pressure, by providing blood pressure checks while they visited the food bank. Volunteers for the Association will be at the food bank again on June 28 to provide screenings, as well as blood pressure cuffs and materials for people to take home that will help them measure and manage blood pressure.
About half of all Americans (46.7%) have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association’s 2024 Heart and Stroke Statistics Update. High blood pressure is defined as consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg and the only way to know if one has high blood pressure is to measure it. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to a variety of health threats including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
The blood pressure program with the food bank aims to increase awareness of undiagnosed high blood pressure and provide access to automatic blood pressure devices for home use, paid for by the City of Lynnwood. The American Heart Association provided training to staff and volunteers, equipping them to educate participants on self-measurement technique. Shoppers are encouraged to regularly measure their blood pressure at home and follow-up with their health care provider. If an individual does not have a provider, they are directed to local community health centers where they can establish care.
A recent survey revealed that about half of Lynnwood Food Bank customers had high blood pressure or someone in their household is managing the condition. “We serve more than 13,000 individuals per month, that’s a lot of people who are impacted,” said Alissa Jones, executive director, Lynnwood Food Bank. “We want to and support the health and well-being of our shoppers and through this program and through improving access to nutritious foods, such as fresh produce and low-sodium options, we are working to help our customers in moving their blood pressure numbers into a healthier range.”
The American Heart Association has set a goal to achieve a 75% blood pressure control rate across every community in Washington state. The Association is working with health care and community organizations to implement strategies that would help prevent people from developing hypertension, improve awareness and blood pressure control in the population.
To learn more about the American Heart Association or blood pressure, visit heart.org. To learn more about the Association’s work in Washington, visit heart.org/Washington.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us in Washington on heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
