The mission of the Virginia Department of Health's Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (HDSP) Program is to enhance the State’s capacity to plan, implement, track, and sustain population-based interventions to address heart disease, stroke, and related risk factors. Program efforts are focused on population-based policy and systems change strategies to impact the “ABCS” of heart disease and stroke prevention.
In spite of the good news brought about through the hard work and commitment of providers, volunteers and our health districts, data shows the downward trend in heart attack and stroke deaths may be leveling off. VDH, with partnerships with public health professionals will continue to promote a heart healthy Virginia through increased prevention education. Virginia was the third state in the nation to join the Million Hearts™ initiative to work towards preventing 1,000,000 heart attacks and strokes nationally over the next five years.
Blood Pressure Challenge
To kickoff support of the Million Hearts™ initiative in Virginia, Virginia health care providers are encouraged to take 1,000,000 blood pressures beginning in May in coordination with American Stroke Month and National Blood Pressure Education Month. The challenge urges organizations, healthcare providers and individuals to take blood pressures for both screening and control purposes.
Register your organization and submit blood pressures taken during this month. Examples of settings where blood pressures can be taken include but are not limited to primary care visits, emergency rooms, health fairs, pharmacies, fitness centers, senior centers, and worksites.
Click on button to start a one question survey stating that you have taken your blood pressure this month.
Do you know how often you should get your blood pressure checked? Click here to find out.
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