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Ribbon Cutting at Roots Community Clinic

Paul Markovich, chief executive of Blue Shield of California, will officially open the clinic

Roots Community Clinic

9925 International Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94603

http://rootsclinic.org/events/

WHAT:  Blue Shield of California and the American Heart Association launch a new free self-service blood pressure kiosk for East Oakland residents at the Roots Community Clinic. February is American Heart Month and Black History Month, and hypertension impacts communities of color at a greater rate This is the perfect time to urge loved ones to get their blood pressure checked.

The free community health fair includes blood pressure monitoring, healthy lunch and an introduction to dance class to get the blood flowing. Community partners such as Lava Mae and Haircuts with Heart will provide complimentary services. See first-hand how the Roots Community Clinic offers culturally responsive, comprehensive healthcare, behavioral health, and wraparound services.

WHY: Blue Cross Blue Shield Health of America Index ranks hypertension as the top health condition affecting 12.5% of insured Americans. At the Roots Community Clinic, hypertension affects 20% of the patients--60% higher than the national average. While other blood pressure kiosks are available at local pharmacies, patients who come to the Roots Community Clinic will be able to get immediate medical intervention.  

WHO: NBA All-Star and CEO of Baron Davis Enterprises, Baron Davis

Roots Community Health Center Executive Director, Noha Aboelata, MD

Blue Shield of California President and CEO, Paul Markovich

American Heart Association, Bay Area Board member, David Vliet

 

FAST FACT:        New blood pressure guidelines were introduced in late 2017– the first time in more than a decade. The new guidelines—which came after a three-year, comprehensive study –emphasized the need to focus on a whole framework of healthier lifestyles and prevention steps for a broader group of patients, including millennials.