HEALTHY COMMUNITY STUDY |
| MEMBERSHIP volunteers ..................................... internships |
| TO YOUR HEALTH! |
"Changing Hearts" |
| "Changing Hearts" is changing lives. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among minorities. Something as basic as lowering blood pressure can save lives. Changing Hearts is a volunteer program designed to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure among individuals 18 years or older, with special emphasis on the minority population. A grass roots initiative, the program is available to the community at two sites encouraging lifestyle modifications, performing blood presssure screenings and facilitating access to health care providers. |
| RESULTS: AUGUST 2009 |
| • 227 people are enrolled since launch of the pre-pilot phase in June 2008. * 22 percent have brought their blood pressure under control. * 63 percent of hypertensives improved their blood pressure. * 57 percent of pre-hypertensives improved their blood pressure. |
 |
| LONG-TERM GOALS |
| • Decrease hospital admission rates for cardiovascular disease over 5-10 years. • Reduce cardiovascular mortality rates. • Lower hospital admissions and overall cardiovascular mortality rates among African-Americans and Hispanics. |
| ACTIVITIES |
| We and our community partners are engaged in a variety of activities designed to present the program to the public and enlist participation. |
| Components: • Health education • Health screenings • Physical activities |
| For more information, please e-mail info@rockfordhealth.org. |
| Primary care physician assistance and pharmaceutical assistance is available to those who qualify. |
| CURRENT COMMUNITY PARTNERS |
| Our community partners comprise a wide range, drawn from local health systems, community and faith-based organizations, local government and nonprofit agencies, the education sector and private individuals. |
