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May 15, 2009 Clinics Statewide to Offer Free Blood Pressure Screening, Stroke Education, Medicaid Enrollment Opportunities
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, -
During the week of May 18-22, community health centers throughout the state will be offering free blood pressure testing and stroke education in recognition of American Stroke Month and High Blood Pressure Education Month. This initiative on behalf of the Department of Health and Hospitals, in partnership with the Louisiana Primary Care Association, is an effort to educate Louisiana residents about the importance of controlling blood pressure and associated risk factors for stroke.
Matthew Valliere, director of the LDH Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Unit, says high blood pressure is a major contributor of stroke. “Monitoring and controlling blood pressure can make a significant impact in our well being. If we are to be good stewards of our health, we must learn to know and monitor all our ‘numbers,’ including blood pressure readings, weight, Body Mass Index, cholesterol, and glucose. Knowing these numbers can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and lower health care costs.”
Nurses will be on hand to explain what blood pressure is and how it works, why high blood pressure can lead to risk of stroke, and how to lower and control blood pressure. Information will also be available on stroke, the leading cause of death in Louisiana.
Representatives from the Louisiana Medicaid Program will also be available to provide information on Medicaid and assist with applications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and family history contribute to or increase the risk of stroke. Women and African-Americans face an increased risk of stroke. Furthermore, 25 percent of strokes occur in people under the age of 65, according to the American Stroke Association.
A list of participating health centers by region is included at the end of this release.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov.
NEW ORLEANS AREA
EXCELth Primary Health Care Network
Ida Hymel Clinic
111 Newton Ave.
New Orleans, La.
EXCELth Mobile Unit
Parked at Just the Right Attitude Food Bank
13150 I-10 Service Rd.
New Orleans, La.
Monday, May 18, 2009 ONLY
EXCELth Mobile Unit
Parked at Desire St. Ministries
3512 Louisa St.
New Orleans, La.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 ONLY
BATON ROUGE AREA
Baton Rouge Primary Care Collaborative
1414 Fairchild St.
Baton Rouge, La.
Innis Community Health Center
6450 Hwy 1, Suite B
Innis, La.
Livonia Community Health Center
3041 Fordoche Rd.
Livonia, La.
HOUMA/THIBODAUX AREA
Teche Action Clinic at Edgard
159 E. Third St.
Edgard, La.
Teche Action Clinic
1115 Weber St.
Franklin, La.
Teche Action Clinic at Dulac
189 Mozart Dr.
Houma, La.
Teche Action Clinic at Houma
809 West Tunnel Blvd.
Houma, La.
LAFAYETTE AREA
SWLA Center for Health Services
716 Hellen St.
Lafayette, La.
Southwest LA Primary Health Care, Inc.
8762 Hwy 182
Opelousas, La.
LAKE CHARLES AREA
SWLA Center for Health Services
2000 Opelousas St.
Lake Charles, La.
ALEXANDRIA AREA
Sicily Island Medical Center
307 Chisum and Hwy 15
Sicily Island, La.
Wisner Medical Center
101 Watson St.
Wisner, La.
Concordia Community Center
E.E. Wallace Blvd.
Ferriday, La.
SHREVEPORT AREA
David Raines Community Health Center
1514 Doctor’s Dr.
Bossier City
David Raines Community Health Center
162 David Raines Rd.
Shreveport, La.
David Raines Community Health Center
12763 Lay St.
Gilliam, La.
David Raines Community Health Center at Haynesville
1953 East Main St.
Haynesville, La.