Chesterfield Health District Promotes Blood Pressure Screening and Coaching

VA Dept of Health Newsroom

Published February 13th, 2026

Detected February 14th, 2026

Summary

The Chesterfield Health District is promoting the importance of blood pressure screening during American Heart Month. They are offering a coaching program called 'My Blood Pressure, My Health' for low-income adults with high blood pressure, providing monitoring tools and education.

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What changed

The Chesterfield Health District has issued a notice highlighting the importance of blood pressure screening during American Heart Month and promoting their 'My Blood Pressure, My Health' coaching program. This initiative aims to address high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which is prevalent in Virginia. The program offers four months of coaching, focusing on home blood pressure monitoring and nutrition education for low-income adults with high blood pressure in Chesterfield.

While health departments typically do not manage chronic conditions, this program represents a new initiative to improve community health outcomes. Participants receive a complimentary blood pressure monitor and cuff and commit to regular monitoring and check-ins. The program is made possible by a grant from the Jenkins Foundation, and interested individuals can contact the Chesterfield Health Department for qualification details. This notice serves as an informational outreach to encourage participation and raise awareness about managing blood pressure.

What to do next

Review local public health initiatives for potential community engagement or partnership opportunities.
Ensure internal communications highlight the importance of blood pressure monitoring for employee wellness programs if applicable.

Source document (simplified)

February 13, 2026

Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Chesterfield Health District Shares the Importance of Blood Pressure Screening
February is American Heart Month

Chesterfield, Va. – February is American Heart Month. Chesterfield Health District reminds you to make sure you know your blood pressure numbers to prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

“Heart disease in the central health region is slightly more prevalent than the state average,” said Dr. Alexander Samuel, the Chesterfield Health District Director.

While health departments don’t normally see patients for chronic conditions, every nurse checks blood pressure as part of patient visits for maternity, sexual health, or immunization visits.

Chesterfield Health District reported access to health care as a priority in its 2023 community health assessment. As a result, one of the initiatives in the 2025 community health improvement plan is to establish a blood pressure self-monitoring program to reach the people in our community that experience difficulty accessing health care.

My Blood Pressure, My Health is that resource:

A four-month, evidence-based coaching program focusing on home blood pressure monitoring and nutrition education.
The program serves low-income adults in Chesterfield who are currently experiencing high blood pressure.
Participants commit to monthly education, twice-monthly check-ins, and measuring, tracking and reporting their blood pressure at home.
Once enrolled, participants receive a complimentary blood pressure monitor and cuff. “It has been wonderful to see how participants are learning more and becoming more engaged in monitoring their own health,” Richard Siefring, a My Blood Pressure, My Health coach said. “We still have openings available for people with high blood pressure.”

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that home blood pressure monitoring is more convenient and effective in diagnosing and managing high blood pressure. People are more relaxed in the comfort of their own home and often have lower blood pressure than when taken in a clinical setting.

My Blood Pressure, My Health is made possible by a grant from the Jenkins Foundation. To see if you qualify for My Blood Pressure, My Health, contact the Chesterfield Health Department at 804-762-1573.