NEWS RELEASE
April 29, 1998

Michigan Department of Community Health Promotes National High Blood Pressure & Stroke Awareness Month

Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that May is National High Blood Pressure and Stroke Awareness month. MDCH joins the American Heart Association/Michigan Affiliate in focusing on hypertension (high blood pressure) and stroke in African Americans during this month.

"It is unacceptable that African Americans in Michigan have stroke death rates that are nearly double that of Caucasians. Stroke mortality rates are noticeably higher in the 45-64 year age group. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke," said Haveman.

"Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition because there may be no symptoms for along time. Therefore, they remain untreated and their blood pressure is uncontrolled, which causes serious health consequences," said Haveman.

Collaborative partners including the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit Health Department, St. John Health System, Michigan Neighborhood Partnership and the John D. Dingell Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center and the Community Hypertension Research, Education and Screening Team (CHREST) have agreed to coordinate a hypertension control initiative with African American churches to help improve the health status of their communities. This initiative will be launched with a "Blood Pressure Sunday" on May 3rd.

More than 250 health professionals have volunteered to provide blood pressure screening in 21 Detroit area churches. Along with blood pressure measurement, each participant will receive written educational messages about ways to reduce their risk of elevated blood pressure and stroke. Participants identified with high blood pressure will be referred for further evaluation. In addition to this activity, educational material on hypertension and stroke will be distributed in 60 Detroit area churches on May 3rd.

African Americans develop hypertension at an earlier age and, at any decade of life, hypertension in African Americans is more severe and has more serious consequences than in Caucasians.

"Everyone should make the prevention and control of hypertension a priority to enjoy healthier lives. Stroke is largely preventable by practicing a healthy lifestyle," added Haveman.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
April 29, 1998 (517) 241-2112