Celebrating Efforts for Healthy Hearts in Roanoke

(ROANOKE, Va.) – Join members of the Roanoke Healthy Hearts Initiative and Mayor Joe Cobb at a celebration of efforts to improve the heart health of Roanoke residents on Wednesday, July 30th at 9:00 a.m. at the EnVision Center (2607 Salem Turnpike).

Several Northwest Roanoke census tracts have been identified as having among the highest rates of hypertension in Virginia (source: CDC/Centers for Disease Control & Prevention). Volunteer members of Roanoke’s Healthy Hearts Initiative have been advocating to identify and address priorities to improve the heart health of residents in these neighborhoods, including:

• Increasing blood pressure self-monitoring among NW Roanoke residents, especially among those aged 45+

• Working with community partners (non-profits and small businesses) to use health education opportunities to create lifestyle changes

• Providing access to nutritious food, including produce grown at the EnVision Center Garden by Healthy Hearts participants and volunteers

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
An opportunity for media outlets to attend the Roanoke Healthy Hearts celebration:

DATE: Wednesday, July 30
PLACE: EnVision Center, near the garden, 2607 Salem Turnpike, Roanoke
TIME: Media are welcome to set up at 8:45 a.m., program begins at 9:00 a.m.
BACKGROUND: Roanoke Healthy Hearts Initiative https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/heart-disease/roanoke-healthy-hearts-initiative/