Every visit to the Mid-Ohio Market at Gantz Road helps improve health through nutritious food and community support. Hundreds of families come to the market every day, and they can shop and check their blood pressure in one trip thanks to a collaboration between Mid-Ohio Farmacy and the American Heart Association.
The market’s blood pressure machine is beneficial because food insecurity increases the risk of heart disease, said Director of Research and Nutrition Amy Headings. Amy leads the Mid-Ohio Farmacy program, which connects food insecure patients to fresh produce with doctor referrals.
“Our ‘Food is Health’ strategy makes every customer interaction an opportunity to improve health outcomes,” said Amy. “A steady supply of fresh produce, access to healthcare, and a healthy blood pressure make all the difference.”
National and local American Heart Association staff recently visited the market to learn how volunteer assistance and welcoming signage in English and Spanish have increased engagement with the blood pressure machine. Our approach has become a model program since 2024 with over 200 measurements taken each month.
“This work together brought blood pressure awareness out of the clinic and into the community where real life happens,” said Nancy Tobbe, executive director of the American Heart Association, Central Ohio. “What started at one Mid-Ohio Market offers a roadmap for bringing heart health support into trusted community spaces.”
This collaboration is a small piece of Mid-Ohio Farmacy’s strategy. Learn more about our proven results for better health through better nutrition at mofc.org/farmacy.
