MEMPHIS, TN. – To help make the vital message of February’s American Heart Month top of mind, fred’s Pharmacy will provide free blood pressure screenings to thousands of Americans and has established a goal of donating up to $50,000 to the American Heart Association.

fred’s Pharmacy will offer free blood pressure screenings at all 360 of its pharmacies during the entire month of February. To encourage participation, for each screening done, fred’s will also donate $1.00 to the American Heart Association, up to $50,000.

The campaign is the beginning a long-term effort by the company to help educate people about being “heart smart,” according to Josh Russell, fred’s Pharmacy Marketing Manager.

“This is a great opportunity for people to do something important for themselves at no cost and requiring very little of their time,” said Russell. “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the South, accounting for one of every four deaths each year. When stroke and diabetes is added in, it’s even more startling – one in three people. We want to help turn those numbers around.

“One good place to start is with a blood pressure check. Not only will this benefit the person being checked and their family, but in February it will also benefit the American Heart Association. I can’t think of a better Valentine’s gift.”

Each person screened will have a special “I am Heart Smart” name card displayed at the pharmacy to show the progress of the effort in that particular location.

“The pharmacies at fred’s are especially sensitive to heart health because of the high number of people affected by heart disease, stroke and diabetes in the South, where a majority of our customers live,” Russell said.
He said pharmacists at fred’s Pharmacy are available to meet with individuals to discuss heart health.