Health District encourages residents to join YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

Free, 16-week program helps people reduce and manage high blood pressure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4, 2026

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion invites Clark County residents to participate in the YMCA’s upcoming Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, offered by the YMCA of Southern Nevada. The 16-week program, launching this month, aims to help people reduce and manage their blood pressure over time. It is designed for people who have high blood pressure or may be at risk of developing it.

About 34.6% of adults in Clark County have high blood pressure, which is slightly higher than the state average of 33.9%. High blood pressure is more prevalent among men than women. In 2023, non-Hispanic Black/African American adults had Clark County’s highest rate of hypertension, at more than 41%. Nationally, more than 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure.

“Managing your blood pressure is essential to protecting your heart, brain and overall health,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer of the Health District. “By making healthy lifestyle choices and working closely with your health care provider, you can reduce your risk of serious complications and live a longer, healthier life.”

Among other things, the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program addresses certain everyday factors—such as high sodium intake, chronic stress, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol use and underlying conditions like obesity or diabetes—that can trigger spikes in blood pressure. These triggers make regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices essential for prevention and control. The program also includes monthly nutrition seminars to help people improve their knowledge of heart-healthy eating habits.

Those who qualify for the program will receive a free YMCA membership with access to any of its three Las Vegas-area locations throughout the duration of the program. To learn more about the qualification guidelines, email Courtney Taber at ctaber@lasvegasymca.org or call (702) 522-7370.

The English cohort enrollment period ends Friday, March 6. This cohort of the program meets from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, March 9 through June 15, at the Durango Hills YMCA, 3521 North Durango Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89129. To sign up, complete the assessment form at Take Action to Improve Your Heart Health. For more information, email Courtney Taber at ctaber@lasvegasymca.org.

The Spanish cohort will meet Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. starting March 24 through July 7 at the Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA, 4141 Meadows Ln., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Healthy Heart Ambassadors—certified blood pressure monitoring health coaches—will offer one-on-one consultations for the duration of the cohort. To sign up for the Spanish program, complete the assessment form at Tome Medidas Para Mejorar la Salud de su Corazón. The sign-up deadline is March 23. For more information, email Janu Herrera at jherrera@lasvegasymca.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.