SEDHD and Cardiovascular Learning Collaboration Bring Free Heart Health Resources to Area Senior Centers

Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) is providing monthly cardiovascular education sessions and blood pressure screenings at senior centers throughout its five-county service area in collaboration with the Cardiovascular Learning Collaboration. This a structured, community-focused initiative that brings together residents, health care providers, public health agencies, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, coordinate strategies, and implement evidence-based practices that improve heart health.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of illness, death, and health disparities across the United States. While medical advancements have improved treatment options, innovative community-based approaches are still needed to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and improve long-term health outcomes.
These free services are available to anyone over the age of 18 and are offered locally at:
• Sterling Senior Center
• Table Rock Senior Center
• Nebraska City Senior Center
Additional locations are planned as the program continues to expand.
The program focuses on the prevention, early detection, and management of key cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, diabetes and lifestyle factors that contribute to heart disease.
“The goal is simply to help people in our communities get healthy, stay healthy, and enjoy a better quality of life,” said Mark Burch, registered nurse with SEDHD. “We want to change the model and help folks in rural area be proactive  with heart health.”
To support this mission, the Southeast District Health Department is donating fitness equipment and automatic upper-arm blood pressure monitors to each participating senior center. Participants also have the opportunity to speak directly with a registered nurse and ask questions about health concerns and wellness topics important to them.
Through shared learning environments, the exchange of best practices, and coordinated action planning, the Cardiovascular Learning Collaboration helps communities develop sustainable health improvement strategies and scalable solutions that can make a lasting impact.
For More Information contact Mark Burch, RN: (402) 274-3993 ext. 115 or [email protected].