The new kiosk aims to equip Auburn Gresham residents with tools to monitor heart health and address health disparities.
CHICAGO, December 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association (AHA), a global force for healthier living, today announced the addition of a new blood pressure kiosk at a key health-promoting organization community in the Chicago area. This initiative reflects the AHA’s commitment to addressing health disparities by placing blood pressure kiosks in underserved areas to give residents accessible tools to manage their heart health.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate this exciting initiative will be held on Wednesday, December 18 at 1 p.m. at the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub, located at 839 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620. This event is open to the community. , providing an opportunity for residents, community leaders and health advocates to witness this important milestone in promoting heart health and wellness. Representatives from the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) and UI Health – Mile Square will be on hand to highlight the importance of this partnership and its impact on the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
The new blood pressure kiosk is located within the Healthy Lifestyle Hub, a transformative redevelopment project led by GAGDC. This catalytic initiative revitalized a long-vacant office building in the heart of the Auburn Gresham community, breathing new life into the 79th & Halsted commercial corridor. After sitting vacant for more than 20 years, this important structure now serves as a beacon of hope and a center for health and community development.
“We are excited to bring this resource to the Auburn Gresham community,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association. “High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and providing accessible tools like this kiosk is a crucial step in enabling individuals to monitor and manage their heart health.”
The kiosk offers free and easy blood pressure monitoring, as well as educational materials to help users better understand their readings and access referrals for further medical care. This initiative aligns with the AHA’s mission to be a relentless force for a world where lives are longer and healthier.
“Greater Auburn Gresham Development is proud to partner with the American Heart Association, Healthy Chicago Equity Zone, UI Health and other collaborators for the Higi Station ribbon-cutting ceremony. Access builds awareness, which opens the door to action,” said GAGDC Executive Administrator Kathy Welch. “This Higi station is a symbol of self-care and advocacy for improving the quality of life. We express our gratitude to the American Heart Association for its partnership and continued efforts to combat heart disease – the leading cause of death in many of our communities.
Community members are encouraged to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony and explore the Healthy Lifestyle Hub’s offerings. Together, the American Heart Association, GAGDC and UI Health – Mile Square are committed to advancing health equity and fostering a healthier future for all.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world where lives are longer and healthier. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than a hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers worldwide, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for public health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke. By making 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 coeur.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Rachel Klousnitze; Rachel.klousnitzer@heart.org
For public inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
coeur.org And stroke.org