UTICA, N.Y. — The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund have unveiled a blood-pressure kiosk at The Center, located at 201 Bleecker St. in Utica.
“At The Center, we serve a richly diverse population, who often face barriers to preventive health care,” Shelly Callahan, executive director of The Center, said in an announcement. “Accessible health screening tools like this kiosk are critical in helping our community detect issues like high blood pressure early, especially for individuals managing language and cultural obstacles to care.”
The new kiosk is one of three donated in the community, with the other two located at the Mohawk Valley Latino Association and 50 Forward.
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“The American Heart Association holds a special place for us,” Sheila Cuccaro said in the announcement. “Heart disease has affected generations of our family and been the cause of their passing. Just this past April my brother, my only living immediate family member, suffered a heart attack and a stroke simultaneously. Thanks to the Heart Association’s research, he is recovering with minimal side effects.”
“These three blood pressure kiosks will help residents of the Mohawk Valley know whether they are at risk for ‘the silent killer,’ high blood pressure,” she continued. “We want the work to continue, and we want to be part of that. To do that, we will make another $50,000 gift to the American Heart Association. We know this will continue to save lives.”
This donation brings the total gifts from the fund to the AHA to $200,000.
“We are humbled by the ongoing commitment to the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund has to the American Heart Association and thank them for this most recent gift,” AHA Board of Directors Chair Amy DeMetri said. “These three kiosks are here because of their generosity, and it’s exciting to think how we can continue to improve the health of residents in the Mohawk Valley with their continued support. More than a third of Mohawk Valley residents have high blood pressure. There are many more who don’t even know they have it. Clients of the three organizations receiving kiosks can check to see if they are affected by high blood pressure and be connected to primary care if they get a high reading. We are making a difference in our community.”
“For many of our clients, this kiosk is more than just a machine,” Mohawk Valley Latino Association Executive Director Sonia Martinez said. “It’s a bridge to better health.”
“At 50 Forward, our goal is to empower older adults to live healthier, more independent lives,” Executive Director Kelly Walters said. “This blood pressure machine is a vital tool, enabling them to proactively monitor their heart health and take timely action, ultimately helping to prevent serious cardiovascular issues.”
