In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided training for the Virginia Department of Health to pilot the Healthy Heart Ambassador-Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (HHA BPSM).
The Virginia HHA BPSM is a four-month program that will teach participants about heart-healthy foods and encourage people to regularly check and record their blood pressure. Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors, who will provide support, guidance and encouragement, as participants learn to regularly check and record their blood pressure at home. Participants will learn to understand their blood pressure reading and what actions to take. The Healthy Heart Ambassadors will regularly communicate with participants by phone, email or in-person.
Collaborative Partners
The Virginia Department of Health will be partnering with the Virginia Pharmacists Association and Health Quality Innovators to offer the HHA BPSM through community pharmacies and other community organizations.
- La Casa de la Salud (Richmond, Petersburg)
- Walnut Hill Pharmacy (Petersburg)
- Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (Tazewell)
- District Three Governmental Cooperative Area Agency for Aging (Marion)
- Chickahominy Health District (Hanover)
- Amelia Pharmacy
- Halifax Pharmacy
- Eastern Shore
- Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency
- Rayfield’s Pharmacy (Nassawadox)
- Peoples Pharmacy (Norfolk)
The Virginia HHA BPSM program is gaining in popularity in communities across the Commonwealth. The Virginia Department of Health looks forward to expanding the number of Ambassadors helping Virginians control their blood pressure.