St John and Stroke Foundation join forces

St John and Stroke Foundation media release, 27 May 2009

St John and Stroke Foundation join forces to reduce risk of stroke

St John is joining forces with the Stroke Foundation to run a National Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign, aimed at reducing the risk of stroke.

St John Chief Executive Jaimes Wood and Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mark Vivian have signed an agreement to develop and implement the campaign.

The two charities will offer free blood pressure checks to the public on Saturday 12 September 2009 at approximately 150 community venues nationwide. The Stroke Foundation will arrange the venues and St John will provide volunteers to perform the blood pressure checks, working alongside other volunteers who will carry out tasks such as handing out information.

The campaign builds on successful similar campaigns by the Stroke Foundation. The theme for the 2009 campaign is: "Reducing blood pressure can greatly reduce the risk of stroke". The aims of the 2009 Campaign include to raise public awareness that high blood pressure is one of the key preventable risk factors for stroke, and encourage people to check their blood pressure regularly - "lower is better".

Stroke is a major health problem in New Zealand - it is the second largest single killer in this country and the major cause of adult disability. While it is largely preventable, 8,000 New Zealanders a year suffer a stroke - a third of which are fatal. One in five New Zealanders have high blood pressure, and a third of these do not know it.

"The campaign demonstrates a collaborative, community driven approach to a major health issue, and provides a model on which future health promotion initiatives can build," Mr Wood says.

"The partnership with St John will add a valuable dimension to the campaign, given St John's clinical expertise and excellent reputation in the community," Mr Vivian says.

Only trained St John members and other qualified health providers will perform the checks. The readings will be recorded for participants to take away, and those with high readings will be advised to visit their doctor.

Participants will receive a package of useful information about blood pressure and stroke.

St John is New Zealand's largest ambulance service and a significant provider of community services.

The Stroke Foundation provides information to the public and support for people with a stroke, their families and caregivers.

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