New Blood Pressure Program Launches for Students and Employees  

Bellevue College, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and Providence Health Plan, has introduced a new initiative: the Student-Championed Self-Measured Blood Pressure program. This program aims to raise awareness about the risks of high blood pressure while equipping students, faculty, and staff with essential tools and resources to monitor and manage their blood pressure effectively. 

Available through the college’s newly established Health Promotion Management (HPM) Hub on the second floor of the T Building, the program provides convenient access to blood pressure screenings and educational materials. 

“At Bellevue College, we strive to foster a healthy learning environment,” said Tamara Boynton Howard, Program Chair of Health Promotion and Education. “By offering blood pressure screenings and resources, we’re building a campus culture of wellness—meeting students where they are and supporting their health goals. Chronic stress, a common concern among our students and faculty, can contribute to high blood pressure. Addressing these risk factors gives everyone a better chance at lifelong health.” 

Individuals with elevated blood pressure readings during screenings may qualify for participation in the program. Eligible participants will receive a loaned blood pressure monitor to track their readings at home, along with guidance on understanding their numbers and practical strategies to improve them. 

To ensure accessibility, program resources are available in six languages—English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic—reflecting the diverse campus community. Additionally, participants will receive referral information for local Federally Qualified Health Centers, where they can access low- or no-cost healthcare services. By connecting students to primary care, the program encourages proactive health management. 

To further support outreach, Bellevue College will begin hosting regular blood pressure screening events starting in mid-March and will continue to offer similar events on the first Wednesday of each month. These screenings will be conducted by students fulfilling practicum requirements in the Health Promotion and Education program, with additional support from HPM Hub assistants and nursing students. 

“Providence Health Plan is proud to support this program which connects to our objectives around Health For All—to not just treat illness, but to actively promote health equity and wellness in the communities we serve,” said Kevin Corcoran, vice president, sales, Providence Health Plan and chairperson American Heart Association, Executives with Heart Washington. “In addition to ensuring the availability of blood pressure resources for the campus community, this program also gives the students leading the work real-life experience in healthcare fields. It’s a collaboration that will build healthier futures.”    

Nearly half of individuals living in Washington have high blood pressure, which puts them at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The program is part of the Embracing Community Care initiative led by the American Heart Association and backed by Providence Health Plan and contributes toward the goal of supporting 20 community organizations and clinics across Washington and Oregon.