The MolinaCares Accord Awards $100,000 to The American Heart Association

01/30/2025
Funds will place self-monitored blood pressure stations across Texas
HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 — The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Texas (“Molina”), recently presented $100,000 to the American Heart Association (AHA) to collaborate with community-based partners and place 20 table-top blood pressure stations at highly trafficked locations in Greater Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Laredo, El Paso, Tyler, Hidalgo County, and Bexar County.
The stations, also known as self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring stations, will enable the regular measurement of blood pressure by patients outside of the home, at places such as community centers, senior centers, medical clinics, and more.
“SMBP monitoring enables physicians to better diagnose and manage hypertension — and helps patients take a more active role in the process,” said Heather Butscher, vice president of community impact, American Heart Association, Greater Houston. “Staff at these sites will be trained on AHA’s MAP process of Measuring accurately, Acting rapidly and Partnering with patients, so they can better identify and provide resources for community members.”
The SMBP initiative is especially critical for Texas, which faces some of the nation’s highest rates of hypertension-related health issues. However, according to the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke State Plan, eliminating hypertension could reduce cardiovascular disease mortality by 30.4 percent among men and 38.0 percent among women.
Severe hypertension in pregnancy also significantly contributes to maternal morbidity and is a leading cause of maternal mortality in Texas. It is among the most preventable causes of pregnancy-related death. Hypertension during pregnancy can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure later in life.
“At Molina, we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all individuals across the state,” said Dr. Lindsey Vasquez, director of maternal and women’s health, Molina Healthcare of Texas. “With Maternal Health Awareness Day this month, it’s the ideal time to launch this impactful initiative, so that mothers and families can access the tools they need to proactively manage their blood pressure, and to provide strategic access and education across the state to improve maternal cardiovascular health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association to connect our communities to these vital stations.”
MolinaCares presented The American Heart Association with the $100,000 grant during a special presentation in Houston. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
The SMBP sites will all be up and running by August 31, 2025.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Texas
Molina Healthcare of Texas, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Texas. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Texas, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.