Virtual - Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 12 - 1 p.m.
This program is complimentary. Funding for this program was provided by IDPH Improving the Health of Illinoisans Through Chronic Disease Prevention grant. (CDC-DP19-1815).
Having hypertension is a serious health concern that puts nearly half of adults in the U.S. at risk for heart disease and stroke. Yet only one in four Americans has their high blood pressure under control. Learn how the evidence-based Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM) program empowers patients with high blood pressure to take control of their condition. The program was developed by YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. It helps adults better manage high blood pressure through regular self-monitoring and other heart-healthy activities. This webinar will discuss the program and how Healthy Heart Ambassadors can guide patients to better heart health.
This webinar will help participants:
Understand the data on the prevalence of high blood pressure in Illinois.
Explain the importance of patients taking self-measured blood pressure readings.
Identify the Healthy Heart program details.
Understand the expectations of a Healthy Heart Ambassador.
This program is designed for nurses, physicians, health educators, community health workers and those interested in chronic disease.
Meghan Bertolino, Public Health Educator, Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Health Promotion, Division of Chronic Disease Bertolino holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University. She has a valid Illinois teaching license and certificates in Health Management and Policy, Health Education and Promotion and Epidemiology. Bertolino is a certified SAMHSA Trauma Informed Care Trainer, National Diabetes Lifestyle Coach and Healthy Heart Ambassador Facilitator Trainer. Pam Jefferies, Program Manager, WISEWOMAN In her role since March 2014, Jefferies oversees local providers who receive funding to provide cardiovascular screenings and lifestyle programs to low-income women ages 40-64 who are uninsured or underinsured. She previously worked with the State of Illinois and was responsible for healthcare procurement for health, vision, dental and life insurance for State employees and retirees. Jefferies has also supervised grants awarded through the Community Services Block Grant program, which funds Illinois’ community action agencies providing services to low-income individuals including employment training, utility assistance and food pantries.