Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns and Mercy Hospital Launch 2nd Annual “Heart Healthy” Auto Bureau Blood Pressure Screenings

Modified: February 7, 2019 2:06pm

February 7, 2019

As part of American Heart Month in February, the Erie County Clerk’s Office and Mercy Hospital of Buffalo have teamed up for the second year to offer free blood pressure screenings at auto bureaus across the county. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Erie County and the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. In fact, Erie County residents experience 33% more  deaths related to heart disease than the average U.S. citizen. The goal of the “Heart Healthy” Auto Bureau Blood Pressure Screening is to go into the non-traditional setting like a busy Auto Bureau office to promote healthier lives and help prevent heart disease and stroke in our community.

“The concept of being able to receive a mini health checkup while stopping by your local auto bureau is unique, that’s why I think it will be useful,” said Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns. “We received great feedback from hosting the screenings last February. For some, getting their blood pressure reading at an Auto Bureau served as a wake-up call to follow up with their doctor. We are thrilled to partner with Mercy Hospital again to offer this service to residents.”

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It is often known as the “Silent Killer” because it usually has no symptoms which is why many people do not know they have it.

Our goal as one of the largest hospitals serving the Buffalo region and a partner in this Healthy Heart Auto Bureau Blood Pressure Screening program is to help make our community healthier by reducing the prevalence of heart disease and stroke,” said C.J. Urlaub, President and CEO of Mercy Hospital. “Mercy Hospital, as with other hospitals across the country, are going beyond our traditional role of caring for the sick and beginning to focus more on keeping people healthy through collaborative efforts with other community organizations.”

The “Heart Healthy” Auto Bureau Blood Pressure Screening program kicks off today, Thursday, February 7th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Downtown Buffalo Auto Bureau at 190 Pearl Street.

Upcoming screenings will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the following locations:

February 13 – Downtown Buffalo Auto Bureau, 170 Pearl Street, Buffalo

February 14 – Cheektowaga Auto Bureau, Urbandale Plaza, 2122 George Urban Boulevard, Depew

February 15 – Eastern Hills Auto Bureau, 4545 Transit Road, Williamsville

February 20 – ECC South Auto Bureau, 4041 Southwestern Blvd., Building 7, Orchard Park

February 21 – Sheridan Plaza Auto Bureau, 2309 Eggert Road, Tonawanda

February 22 ­-- Cheektowaga Auto Bureau, Urbandale Plaza, 2122 George Urban Boulevard, Depew

February 27 – Sheridan Plaza Auto Bureau, 2309 Eggert Road, Tonawanda