The Facts…
•Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.
•Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.
•Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.
*Many people have high blood pressure and don’t know it.
To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton County. HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:
· A FREE validated blood pressure monitor.
· An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.
· Monthly nutrition education workshops.
· Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.
There are no requirements to participate. There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure.
This year we have Dr. Travis Haneke, Cardiologist, joining us for the Kick-Off meeting. He will be a great resource for people wanting to learn more about blood pressure, how it works, and how they can maintain healthy blood pressure.
What to expect during the program:
•Participants are expected to attend the Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm in either Great Bend (Barton Co Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave.) or Hays (Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main St., back meeting room).
•Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).
•Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled after the Kick- Off meeting.
•Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February-May).
* The program is FREE, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at [email protected] or Karissa Frasier at [email protected] or call 785-628-9430.
* If you are only interested in the Nutrition Programs, those are free and open to the public and you don’t have to participate in HAPp to attend. Please register so we know how many to plan for because we will do food demonstrations and taste testing at each workshop.
*Registration : visit https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKU0KiUnIFj0dV4
Please note – HAPp Coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants: learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected].
K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.