Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is making strides to improve access to medical care in underserved communities through its initiative, Every Heart Matters. This program specifically targets cardiovascular health disparities in Pittsburgh, focusing on early detection and treatment of heart disease.
On Tuesday, AHN brought the program to the Hill District at the Neighborhood Resilience Project, where residents like Mordene Myers-Stewart received essential heart screenings. “Sometimes we don’t really have the funds to do this private, so this clinic is really helpful,” Myers-Stewart said.
Dr. Saed Alnaimat, a cardiac imaging fellow, highlighted the higher incidence and mortality rates of heart disease among African Americans. Since the summer of 2023, 190 people have been screened, with significant findings such as 28% having abnormal results and 30% diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
The program aims to perform over 500 echocardiogram screenings in underserved areas by July 2025. Patients without a cardiologist can pre-register for these events, receive their results within ten days, and get follow-up calls if abnormalities are detected. “The goal of this program is to identify certain heart diseases early, before damage occurs to the heart and before the symptoms start happening,” Dr. Alnaimat explained.
Myers-Stewart expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for those lacking insurance or transportation. AHN’s efforts are crucial in bridging the gap in healthcare access and ensuring early intervention for heart disease in vulnerable populations.
See “Allegheny Health Network aims to increase access to medical care in underserved communities” (August 23, 2024)