Thanks to generous support, communities received CPR training kits and lThe American Heart Association has made a significant impact across North Texas by supporting organizations and communities through life-saving education, health initiatives, and charitable partnerships.
By providing CPR training, AED resources, wellness programs, and cardiovascular health advocacy, the organization helps schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community groups create safer and healthier environments.
CPR Readiness & Cardiac Emergency Response Plans
Thanks to generous support, communities received CPR training kits and lifesaving resources, along with funding to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The American Heart Association helped organizations implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan to keep athletes, staff, students, and community members safe.
Health Systems Best Practices
The American Heart Association collaborated with several North Texas health systems to expand Measuring Blood Pressure Accurately best practices, including:
- Ensuring use of validated devices
- Periodic team training in accurate blood pressure measurement
- Annual competency assessments
- Educational infographics at all blood pressure stations
Hypertension Screening
The American Heart Association partnered with several North Texas hospitals, community centers, and senior activity centers to screen and educate the public about hypertension. These initiatives included:
- Establish Community Hypertension Stations
- Staff and volunteer training and utilization of best-practice resources
- Hypertension kiosks and educational materials
- Provided blood pressure kits and training to patients
Maternal Health
Programs encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and nutritional guidance were provided to several North Texas organizations. Maternal health kits were also provided to pregnant women that included:
- Validated blood pressure monitor
- Yoga mat
- Water bottle
- Blood pressure and glucose logs
- Educational resources
Nutrition Security
The American Heart Association partnered with several North Texas community organizations to provide access to healthy food and fresh produce. These initiatives included:
- Helped to establish Heart Healthy community pantries
- Provided refrigeration and freezer units to improve the longevity of fresh produce
- Supported a mobile food pantry to provide fresh produce to students, teachers, and families
- Supported a SNAP incentive program
Smoke Free Environments
The American Heart Association supported the city of Irving’s adoption of anti-smoking ordinances. Studies found health benefits as a result of smoke-free policies, including lower risks of heart and lung-related illnesses and diseases.
“It will protect from harmful indoor exposure to secondhand smoke and lead to longer and healthier lives for all who live, work, and have fun in the great city of Irving,” said Chris LeTourneau, regional senior vice president and senior executive director of the American Heart Association’s Dallas division.