Roanoke, VA – February 12, 2025 – In recognition of Heart Health Month, Huddle Up Moms is bringing attention to maternal heart health with their Moms Under Pressure program, a community health intervention aimed at supporting pregnant and postpartum moms diagnosed with hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and gestational hypertension. The program is available across Virginia, with particular emphasis in Roanoke, Petersburg, Richmond, Stanton, Hampton Roads, and Martinsville, but will be expanding to communities across the state.
The Moms Under Pressure program provides participants with essential resources to monitor and manage their blood pressure, ensuring a healthier pregnancy. Enrollees receive a diaper bag, blood pressure self-measuring kit, and care coordination and navigation services to connect them with local health promotion resources. The Moms Under Pressure program is currently being delivered in partnership with Bon Secours - St. Mary's Hospital, Riverside Medical Center, Augusta Health, Lewis Gale Midwives, and 12 community-based organizations.
Moms Under Pressure is funded through CDC Cooperative Agreement # NU58DP007460 and NU58DP007595 in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, as part of the Virginia Healthy Hearts Initiative. This work unites state and local partners to implement evidence-based strategies to improve blood pressure control, reduce disparities in cardiovascular disease, and connect communities to clinical and social services.
Throughout the month of February, HuddleUpMoms will welcome guest speakers on a variety to learn about heart health across the lifespan throughout February by interviewing a different guest weekly on our social media platforms to discuss heart health, focusing on topics like prevention and screenings, nutrition, fitness, wellness, and more. Special guests include, ZaKia Wichowski, Community Health Worker from Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg; Amanda Armstrong, Nutrition Education Facilitator from Virginia Cooperative Extension; Diane Simmons, from Simply Fitness by Diane in Roanoke; and Kelly Wingerter, MD, FACC and Assistant Professor of Medicine Cardiovascular Division from UVA. Please follow Huddle Up Moms on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
"We are thrilled to offer this vital program to our community," said Natasha Saunders, Program Director of Moms Under Pressure. "Our goal is to provide pregnant and birthing persons with the tools and support they need to manage their blood pressure and ensure a healthier pregnancy journey."
Roanoke-based families are also invited to a March 1 workshop with Dr. Kiyah Duffy, a nationally renowned expert on creating healthy eating habits for your family and children. To register for the event or learn more about Moms Under Pressure, parents should visit www.huddleupmoms.org.
About HuddleUpMoms
Huddle Up Moms is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting mothers through education, connection, and advocacy. We embrace and affirm the diverse experiences of motherhood and strive to create a supportive community for all mothers.
