Improved maternal health, hypertension care are focus of California initiative
Dignity Health expands support of American Heart Association's work to reduce maternal mortality and uncontrolled hypertension throughout the state
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Heart Association, the leading public health nonprofit organization devoted to building a world of longer, healthier lives for all, with support from Dignity Health, part of the multistate nonprofit healthcare organization CommonSpirit Health, is expanding its efforts to build a healthier California through cardiovascular disease prevention. Two special areas of focus will be women's health and successful management of hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is one of the most pressing health challenges facing U.S. adults.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., but women experience unique life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, that can put them at increased risk. Pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. have risen 140% over the past three decades, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of complications. Specifically, preeclampsia—a severe form of high blood pressure during pregnancy—has been linked to significantly greater risks of cardiovascular disease later in life.
"Collaborating with a well-respected public health organization like the American Heart Association will help us achieve our shared goal of improving the health and well-being of every Californian," said Julie J. Sprengel, California President, CommonSpirit Health, the parent company of Dignity Health. "As a healthcare system, we know the devastating effects of both heart attacks and strokes. That's why we're expanding our efforts outside the walls of our hospitals to educate our communities about the importance of heart health."
Over the course of the four-year initiative, work will focus on improving the management of high blood pressure and advancing women's health in key communities served by both organizations. In addition to improving blood pressure control, the expanded efforts include bilingual public health awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging people to learn important health warning signs and take steps to improve their health outcomes. These campaigns include:
- My Health is Our Health, which encourages expectant and new moms to know about cardiovascular disease risk factors and the importance of managing their medical conditions;
- R.Á.P.I.D.O., which empowers the Hispanic/Latino community to recognize stroke signs and symptoms and seek immediate care. Similar to the English acronym F.A.S.T., R.A.P.I.D.O. is a Spanish acronym that stands for the common stroke warning signs; and
- Together at the Table/Juntos En La Mesa, designed to inspire communities to cook and eat a heart-healthy diet that celebrates their cultural flavors while improving the health of their family.
By leveraging both Dignity Health and the American Heart Association's reach in the community and focus on cardiovascular health, the initiative addresses the diverse health needs of the most vulnerable populations, advancing equitable access to resources, education, and care. This comprehensive, statewide effort will work to close gaps in hypertension control, reduce health disparities, and foster a healthier, more informed California.
"We want to see a California where every person can live a full, healthy life. Achieving this goal requires bringing key stakeholders together to help our community members understand their risk and empower them with the resources to improve their health outcomes," said Kathy Rogers, executive vice president, American Heart Association Western States. "Our past collaborations have led to meaningful change in our communities, and we are grateful to Dignity Health for its strong commitment to promoting longer, healthier lives for all."
As the century-old American Heart Association sets its sights on advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere, this effort will bring the Association's Embracing Community Care program to 14 sites in Northern, Central and Southern California, with the goal of reducing uncontrolled hypertension, through collaborations with local health care and community organizations that serve high-risk populations.
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 100 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.
SOURCE American Heart Association Western States
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