MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Mar. 4, 2025 — The collaborative effort between the American Heart Association and Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Department Area Agency on Aging and Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin Inc., continued Thursday morning with the rollout of the second new screen-and-refer blood pressure hub at county-owned senior centers.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley highlighted the list of speakers at McGovern Park Senior Center, 4500 W. Custer Ave., which joins Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, as the two screen-and-refer hubs in the county.

Additional locations are set to debut later this year at Kelly Senior Center, 6100 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy; Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee; and Wilson Park Senior Center, 2601 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee.

With the new hub, participants can check their blood pressure numbers on site and also borrow a blood pressure cuff to utilize at home. An educational series on diabetes, food/cooking, physical activity and mental and behavioral health and their overall impacts on heart health are planned at each of the new locations.

“Our commitment to becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin means ensuring that all our residents, especially our growing older adult population, have the tools and resources to live longer, healthier lives,” Crowley said.

“I’m grateful for collaborations like our ongoing partnership with the American Heart Association that allow us to make proactive, upstream investments and bring important resources directly to our community.  By providing blood pressure monitors and educational resources about cardiovascular health at all our senior centers, we’re empowering our older adults to take charge of their health, truly transforming lives.”

As part of the program, the American Heart Association will provide several educational materials that will give instructions about how to take your blood pressure on your own, what those numbers mean, a log for recording numbers and a list of local health care providers who are ready to answer questions.

“Senior centers are more than just gathering places—they are lifelines for health and community,” Serving Older Adults President and CEO Cathy Wood said. “By bringing critical resources like blood pressure monitors into these spaces, we’re not just addressing a need; we’re reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of every older adult we serve.

“We are honored to support initiatives that break down barriers to essential health resources. By integrating tools like blood pressure monitors into the Milwaukee County-owned senior centers, we’re ensuring older adults have the opportunity to manage their health conveniently and effectively, right in the heart of their communities.”

Milwaukee County Commission on Aging Commissioner Denise Callaway said the partnership is another important step forward.

“Improving heart health and increasing heart health awareness is a focus of the Advisory Council of the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging,” she said. “This program is a critical step toward helping aging adults understand the importance of blood pressure health and provides tangible support to managing their heart health.”

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults (about 120 million people) have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which can lead deadly health consequences such as stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss and sexual dysfunction if left untreated. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check it and talk about it with your health care provider.

High blood pressure commonly is known as the “silent killer,” because as many as 36% of patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure are not aware of their condition. (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer).

Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.

"We are so excited to see this program kick off at McGovern," Milwaukee American Heart Association Community Impact Director Zach Wilks-Metrou said. "And we are very thankful to Milwaukee County Area Agency on Aging and Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin for their passion in addressing heart health in Milwaukee County.

“Providing McGovern participants with resources to better understand their blood pressure numbers and what they mean will go a long way in helping their overall heart health. We are excited for this program to get going."

For more blood pressure information, visit https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home and www.heart.org, and for an interactive map of all participating locations, visit www.heart.org/wisconsin.

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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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

About the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services is to improve the quality of life for individuals who need support living healthy, independent, and safe lives within the Milwaukee community. DHHS’ vision is together, creating healthy communities to be recognized as the public model of excellence, leadership, and partnership in human services driving superior outcomes for our community.

For Media Inquiries:
Dan Truttschel: dan.truttschel@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org