Central Baltimore Partnership

In partnership with the American Heart Association, we've implemented Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure Programs at the Greenmount West Community Center and the 29th Street Community Center, which is adjacent to Barclay Elementary-Middle School.

Recreation centers are places where we already sees families showing up, connecting, and receiving support, so it makes sense to bring additional heart health resources and screenings directly into those trusted spaces to support multigenerational needs. Being able to offer a program that gives families agency and autonomy to make informed health choices helps them stay healthy, present, and engaged with their children, families, and priorities.

As an intermediary in health, part of our goal is to help fill gaps by partnering with providers who bring both awareness and exposure to our families through programs such as this one.

This multi-layered program ensures that the heartbeats in our community remain informed, aware, and healthy. The Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure Program gives individuals autonomy over personal health decisions that affect their heart health outcomes.

Kara Griggs-Goldheim, American Heart Association Community Impact Director, says: “By installing a blood pressure kiosk that is freely accessible to community members, the aim is to increase understanding of personal health metrics, broaden perspectives on what hypertension management can look like, and provide access to a resource many people may have never had within reach.”

This program provides real-time health results and connections to resources for individuals who may lack access to primary care. Participants also receive a self-monitoring blood pressure kit to take home, allowing them to continue tracking and managing their blood pressure independently.