Arizona Heart Foundation to provide free screenings for rural communities

PHOENIX – The Arizona Heart Foundation is launching an outreach program to bring free screenings to rural communities where cardiovascular disease too often goes undetected.

The “5-1-0” initiative — five scans, one hour, zero cost – will provide ultrasound screenings to underserved populations in Arizona’s rural counties.

The free scans cover the heart, carotid artery, abdominal artery, upper extremity arteries and lower extremity arteries.

“We are committed to serving individuals who cannot afford a screening or do not have the means to gain access to this critical procedure,” Paula Banahan, Arizona Heart Foundation president and CEO, said in a press release Wednesday.

Cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in Arizona among adults in lower income households, according to the release.

The initiative received $300,000 from a state budget appropriation.

“In Arizona, more than 80% of deaths among those over 65 are related to heart disease,” state Sen. David Gowan said in the release.

“Much of the cost of care for these individuals is paid by Medicare. By proactively working to detect heart disease earlier, we’re not only saving lives, we’re saving taxpayer dollars as well.”

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