Present an initiative and get a discounted registration fee ($40/$25). Sign up to present, nominate someone for an award, become a sponsor or exhibitor, and register for the event on our website: HeartStrokeMA.org. Register today!

Publish your accomplishments toward Statewide Plan goals since July 1, 2010, in the Progress Report by posting them on our website's Initiatives page by May 20. (The Initiatives page was originally called the Member Directory. If you created a Member Directory entry, it's still there.) Creating a listing or updating one you already have will be automatically reported to us. Or you can simply email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Progress Reports will be distributed at the annual meeting and available for download on our website, so your good work will be shared with hundreds of organizations and healthcare professionals across the state.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Healthy City Fall River is an initiative between Partners for a Healthier Community, a Massachusetts Community Health Network Area (CHNA), and the City of Fall River.  Healthy City Fall River incorporates all sectors of the community, including residents, health professionals, and government leaders.  Food Supply & Nutrition is one of five Healthy City 2010-2014 Strategies designed to increase the accessibility of nutritious produce among low-income populations.  Since August, Fall River's three farmers' markets have allowed customers with Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase tokens with their EBT card, which can be used at any time to buy local and affordable produce.  In partnership with the Fall River Mass in Motion project, work is underway to improve pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the city. Implementation of the public school's wellness policy to improve school lunches and active play opportunities is another focus of Healthy City Fall River. To learn more about Healthy City Fall River's current projects, visit their website.

Best practice spotlight

Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council (HFFPC) in Holyoke, MA, was one of nine community collaboratives selected to be part of the Kellogg Foundation Food and Fitness initiative. HFFPC's mission is to create an overall healthier Holyoke through developing policies, programs, and advocacy. The policy council has developed a five-year strategic plan that will help them further their mission. To learn more about the HFFPC contact Hector Figarella at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit their website.

Educational Resources

Free FAST Stroke Education Materials in Khmer

Stroke Heroes Act FAST campaign materials are now available in Khmer to help Cambodians learn the signs and symptoms of stroke and understand the importance of calling 9-1-1 at any sign of stroke. Watch the Khmer stroke video. Order the Khmer stroke DVD, poster, wallet card, and brochure for free. To play the videos on your local cable station, website, closed-circuit TVs in hospitals and waiting rooms at no cost, contact Ted Clark at 617-624-5444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Regional Planning Agencies (RPAs)

RPAs are public organizations that incorporate a region of a community by serving local governments and citizens within their planning districts.  RPAs handle issues and needs in communities by providing support services in the areas of planning, policymaking, communication coordination, advocacy, education, analysis, and technical assistance.   The Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) comprises 13 RPAs across the state, each consisting of a board of members that represent each regional community who work with public agencies and officials to help improve the quality of life of residents.  Recently, The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) published its annual report, The Region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which includes an analysis of regional economic conditions, goals and objectives, accomplishments over the past year, and action items for the next year. Learn more about MARPA and how RPAs can provide support services to your efforts in making changes in your community. View the MARPA directory to find a RPA near you.

Policy, SystemS, & Environment

AHA/ASA: You're the Cure

American Heart/Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) advocates for policies that seek to help reduce coronary heart disease, stroke, and risk. Downloan AHA Policy Priorities 2011-2012.pdf. Advocacy efforts focus on many issues such as obesity in children, quality care, tobacco control, and acute cardiovascular care. AHA promotes and supports quality care, affordability, tobacco control and prevention, and a strong emergency response system for heart attack and stroke victims. Become a member of the "You're the Cure" advocacy network. For more information contact Allyson Perron at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

MPHA: Act FRESH

Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) held its annual meeting in November 2010, "Complete Neighborhoods, Complete Commonwealth: Joining Forces for FRESH Action," which highlighted several accomplishments in the Act FRESH policy change initiative. The Act FRESH Campaign (FResh Environments Support Health) focuses on improving accessibility to local nutritious foods, expanding public space for physical activity, and decreasing obesity and chronic disease in Massachusetts. Successful changes in policy include the School Nutrition Bill and the Food Policy Council bill, which were signed into law in Massachusetts with the support of MPHA and other organizations. Read more about MPHA's annual meeting or sign up for MPHA email alerts.

Data & Surveillance

Prevent Stroke-Control Risk Factors: High Blood Pressure

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Control Program (HSPC) periodically releases data about the burden of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. High blood pressure, a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has increased significantly over the past ten years, according to the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. To learn more, view the data tables below or visit their website.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in Massachusetts Adults 18+, 1999-2009. In 2998, 24.7% of MA adults, aged 18 years and older, reported having ever been told by a health professional that they had high blood pressure. This is a significant increase from 1999, when the prevalence was 21.7%. Males consistently report higher rates of the disease than females, with the prevalence increasing significantly from 23.4% in 1999 to 27.0% in 2009.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in Massachusetts Adults 18+ by Race/Ethnicity, 1999-2009. The Prevalence of high blood pressure has increased in all racial/ethnic groups except Asians from 1999-2009; however no increases were statistically significant. High blood pressure is most common among blacks and Hispanics.

Behavior Changes to Decrease Blood Pressure in Massachusetts Adults with High Blood Pressure, 2009. High blood pressure can be controlled using behavioral and lifestyle changes as well as pharmaceutical interventions. In 2009, 56.3% of MA adults with high blood pressure chose to reduce their dietary salt intake as a method for controlling or lowering their blood pressure; 56.9% chose exercise. 42% of people with high blood pressure were using medication in combination with other behavior changes as a method to control their condition. Only 4.5% of people were using medication only as a method to control their blood pressure.

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© 2011, Partnership for a Heart-Healthy, Stroke-Free Massachusetts. All rights reserved.

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