New Orleans – Nov. 1, 2025 - It often has no symptoms, but hypertension can lead to heart disease, stroke, vision and memory loss, dementia, and kidney failure. In fact, 37% of Greater New Orleans adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.  

The American Heart Association, a global force for a world of longer, healthier lives, Higi and the New Orleans Health Department, are working to highlight and change this fact. On Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m., a ceremony unveiling the My Life Check, Powered by Higi health engagement platform accessible through Higi Smart Health Stations, occurred at Joe Brown Park Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd. This opportunity was made possible by Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., American Heart Association national and local volunteer and cardiologist, and the New Orleans Health Department. Two additional Smart Health Stations will be installed at the Cut-Off Recreation Center, 6600 Belgrade St. and the Milne Recreation Center, 5240 Franklin Ave. 

As part of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions conference held in New Orleans from November 7 – 10, the Association will amplify the health gaps our communities are facing and explore innovative, science-based solutions such as health stations to fill them. Additionally, a Higi Station featuring My Life Check will be in the Health Innovation Pavilion at Sessions for attendees to experience.

My Life Check, powered by Higi, offers trusted, science-based tools that are easy to use, making it simpler for people to get the care they need where they live, work and spend time. These stations help people learn about their heart health and learn simple lifestyle changes to lower their risk. After the screening, participants are directed to trusted, science-based education from the American Heart Association — all available on a phone or computer. People can use the station to check their health on their own, get accurate results and connect to resources made just for them — all right where they are.

“At these three locations, a richly diverse population is served, many of whom face barriers to preventive health care," said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater New Orleans. "Accessible health screening tools like these stations are critical in helping our community detect issues like high blood pressure early, especially for individuals managing language, cultural or accessibility obstacles to care.” 

The unveiling at Joe Brown Park is part of a larger-scale health event, which features additional health screenings, free vaccinations, eye screenings, blood pressure checks, physical activity demonstrations, and more. Community collaborators include the New Orleans Health Department, NORD Commission, 504 HealthNet, Association of Black Cardiologists, Care Access, Cherish Blessed, Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project, GENOA Healthcare, LCMC Health, Ochsner Health, TopCon Healthcare, Toku and Tulane School of Medicine.

“Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and other health issues, including memory loss, dementia and kidney disease,” said Dr. Keith Ferdinand, cardiologist and vice chair of the 2025 national high blood pressure guideline. “Research shows that social determinants or drivers of health—factors such as limited income, education, access to health care and insured status—play a significant role in hypertension rates. Increasing access to blood pressure checks in community settings helps bridge the gap and encourages preventive care. The American Heart Association encourages all community members to utilize this free resource and incorporate regular blood pressure checks into their wellness routine.”

“High blood pressure is one of the most common yet preventable health challenges we face in New Orleans,” said Jennifer Avegno, M.D., director of the New Orleans Health Department. "By partnering with the American Heart Association and Higi, we're making it easier for residents to access tools to help them manage their health.  We encourage everyone to regularly check their blood pressure and work with their health care provider on the best plan to stay healthy and prevent severe disease."

For more information about the American Heart Association’s blood pressure initiatives, visit heart.org/ManageHBP. To learn more about our work across Louisiana, visit heart.org/Louisiana.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Mary Fein; mary.fein@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org