Residents in East Plano, Princeton and Farmersville with high blood pressure that lack adequate medical resources will soon have access to a free program offering much-needed tools and education.

American Heart Association, in partnership with Texas Health, CityBridge Urgent Care and the Assistance Center of Collin County, is providing free health resources to zip codes 75442, 75407 and 75074.

The free program includes a blood pressure kit including machine, weight scale, pillbox, cookbook and blood pressure log.

Participants will also receive a free visit with a healthcare provider and instructions on how to measure, manage and log blood pressure readings. Monthly visits, virtually or in-person, with a health coach are also included in this initiative.

Texas Health, through its Community Impact grants, is addressing local health needs in underserved areas of Collin County. After determining which areas are underserved due to a lack of hospitals or smaller emergency facilities, Texas Health is providing tools to address healthy lifestyles.

The Driving Equitable Health program addresses the escalation of hypertension, food and nutrition insecurity and mental health issues that lead to higher rates of chronic diseases in these areas. The grant focuses on a clinic-to-community approach to self-managed healthcare, according to Danelle Parker, Director of Community Health Improvement for Collin, Denton, Wise and Parker counties.

“Texas Health knows that if we are to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve, we must work upstream – before people arrive in our clinics and hospitals – to address the disparities, barriers and social influences that can impact health,” Parker said.

Through this investment in the Driving Equitable Health program, and the dedicated work of the American Heart Association and other community partners, Parker said “residents in east Plano, Princeton and Farmersville will receive the education and tools needed to take an active role in managing and improving their health and well-being.”

To gain access to these heart health resources, individuals in these zip codes can call 972-972-8930 to set up an appointment. Visits are first-come, first-serve and begin at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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