YMCA of Greater Richmond receives grant to expand blood pressure monitoring stations

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The YMCA of Greater Richmond has received a grant from HCA Virginia to aid in the expansion of blood pressure monitoring stations to all YMCA branches within the region.

The $25,000 grant was awarded through the HCA Healthcare Foundation's Healthier Tomorrow Fund -- a $75 million community impact initiative to help programs address community health needs.

This initiative was made possible through a collaboration between the YMCA and the American Heart Association (AHA), which is helping place blood pressure monitoring stations at YMCA locations across Central Virginia.

Each provided kiosk will include an automatic blood pressure monitor with an adjustable cuff, as well as educational materials regarding blood pressure management in several different languages.

"At the YMCA, we believe everyone deserves access to life-saving health resources," said Jody Alexander, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond, in a press release. "Thanks to this generous support from HCA Virginia, through the HCA Healthcare Foundation, and in collaboration with the American Heart Association, we can reach more people across our community with tools that support prevention and early detection. This initiative will have a lasting impact on the health of our region."