Cardiovascular Health Learning Spotlight: Expanding Access to Heart Health Through Trusted Community Spaces
How can local health departments bring cardiovascular health resources to residents who may not regularly engage with the healthcare system?
This week’s Learning Spotlight features the Porter County Health Department and its efforts to improve cardiovascular health by bringing prevention programs into trusted community settings. Through partnership with libraries, the YMCA, schools, healthcare providers, and other community organizations, Porter County is helping residents identify health risks earlier, manage chronic conditions, and adopt healthier behaviors.
📖 Read the Story from the Field:
Building Heart-Healthy Communities Compendium 2026
Key Strategies
- Partnered with local libraries to provide blood pressure monitoring kits that residents can borrow and use at home
- Collaborated with the YMCA to offer a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program that combines self-monitoring with coaching and lifestyle support
- Conducted youth heart screenings through partnerships with schools and community organizations
- Implemented community-based screening and prevention initiatives to identify cardiovascular and related chronic disease risk factors earlier
- Leveraged partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, libraries, and community organizations to expand access to heart health resources
Results & Impact
- More than 150 blood pressure monitoring kits distributed through the Libraries with Heart program
- Participants in the YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program experienced improvements in blood pressure management and heart-healthy behaviors
- Previously undiagnosed prediabetes cases were identified and connected to follow-up care
- Hundreds of youths received heart screenings through school and community-based events
Lessons for Local Health Departments
💡 Meet people where they are. Libraries, schools, community centers, and recreation facilities can help reach residents who may not regularly access healthcare services.
💡 Partnerships expand capacity. Collaborating with healthcare providers, schools, libraries, and community organizations can increase reach, strengthen trust, and maximize resources.
💡 Tools alone are not enough. Screening programs and self-monitoring tools are most effective when paired with education, coaching, and clear pathways to follow-up care.
Join the Discussion!
Porter County brought heart health resources into places where residents already live, learn, and gather.
What trusted community partners have your health department worked with to support cardiovascular health?
We’d love to hear what’s worked well- or what partnerships you’d like to build – in the comments.
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Johanna Segovia, MPH
Program Analyst
National Association of County and City Health Officials
1201 Eye Street, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)-463-8617
Email:
jsegovia@naccho.org------------------------------