New kiosk aims to empower Auburn Gresham residents with tools for monitoring heart health and addressing health disparities.
CHICAGO, December 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association (AHA), a global force for healthier lives, today announced the addition of a new blood pressure kiosk at a key organization promoting community health in the Chicagoland area. This initiative reflects the AHA’s commitment to addressing health disparities by placing blood pressure kiosks in underserved areas to empower residents with accessible tools for managing their heart health.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate this exciting initiative will take place on Wednesday, December 18, at 1 PM 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 milestone in promoting heart health and wellness. Representatives from both the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) and UI Health – Mile Square will be present to highlight the importance of this partnership and its impact on the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
The new blood pressure kiosk is housed within the Healthy Lifestyle Hub, a transformative redevelopment project led by GAGDC. This catalytic initiative has revitalized a long-vacant office building in the heart of the Auburn Gresham community, breathing new life into the 79th & Halsted commercial corridor. After standing vacant for over 20 years, this prominent structure now serves as a beacon of hope and a center for community health and development.
“We are thrilled to bring this resource to the Auburn Gresham community,” said Brittany Walsh, Executive Director, 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 critical step in empowering individuals to monitor and manage their heart health.”
The kiosk provides free, easy-to-use blood pressure monitoring, along with educational materials to help users better understand their readings and access referrals to further medical care. This initiative aligns with the AHA’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
“Greater Auburn Gresham Development is proud to partner with the American Heart Association, Healthy Chicago Equity Zone, UI Health, and other collaborators for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Higi Station. Access fosters awareness, which opens the door to action,” said Kathy Welch, Executive Administrator, GAGDC. “This Higi Station stands as a symbol of self-care and advocacy for improving quality of life. We extend our gratitude to the American Heart Association for their partnership and their ongoing 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 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:
Rachel Klousnitze; Rachel.klousnitzer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org