Working Together for Healthier Hearts in Greater Bridgeport

February 2, 2026, Bridgeport, CT - As American Heart Month 2026 begins, the Health Improvement Alliance (HIA) is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to improving heart health and reducing chronic disease across Greater Bridgeport through collaboration, prevention, and community-centered action.

Established in 2003, HIA is a regional coalition of more than 250 active members representing approximately 100 organizations, including Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, seven local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and numerous community-based and nonprofit organizations. Together, HIA works to implement strategies to improve health outcomes in the region.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death locally and nationwide. Findings from HIA’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) continue to highlight cardiovascular health as a critical challenge, particularly in communities facing barriers to preventive care, healthy food access, and chronic disease management.

Through regional collaboration, HIA advances heart health by supporting programs and strategies that address preventable risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity. By aligning hospitals, health centers, public health departments, and community organizations around shared priorities identified through the CHNA, HIA helps ensure that heart health prevention, education, and early detection efforts reach residents where they live, work, and gather.

A cornerstone of this work is HIA’s Know Your Numbers (KYN) program, which brings free blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and blood sugar screenings directly into community settings such as food pantries and neighborhood organizations.

Since launching in 2014, Know Your Numbers has reached more than 4,000 residents, helping individuals better understand their health status and take steps toward preventing heart disease. Recent program data shows continued progress in reducing key risk factors, reinforcing the value of meeting people where they are and connecting them to care and education.

“Knowing your numbers is often the first step toward preventing heart disease,” said Marilyn Faber, Parish Nurse Coordinator at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and long-time KYN program leader. “By offering screenings in trusted, accessible spaces, we are helping community members take control of their heart health.”

Joseph Petreycik, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist at Bridgeport Hospital and an active HIA partner, added, “Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often have no symptoms. Programs like Know Your Numbers play a critical role in early detection and education, especially for those who may not otherwise access routine preventive care.”

HIA is proud to continue partnering with the American Heart Association, leveraging evidence-based resources and national expertise to support local heart health initiatives. During American Heart Month, HIA encourages residents, organizations, and partners to participate in local screenings, educational events, and wellness activities happening throughout the Greater Bridgeport area.

For more information about HIA, heart health resources, and upcoming community events, visit www.hiact.org and follow HIA on Instagram and Facebook. Community members and organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to Gina.Smith@ynhh.org or Edna.Borchetta@hhchealth.org.

About HIA

The Health Improvement Alliance is a regional collaborative serving Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. HIA brings together hospitals, health departments, health centers, and community organizations to identify priorities through the Community Health Needs Assessment and work collectively to improve health through prevention, education, and services.

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The Health Improvement Alliance

The Health Improvement Alliance (HIA) was formed in 2003 to help address the health needs of the Greater Bridgeport community, which includes the seven towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. Our mission and vision is to work together to identify, prioritize, and measurably improve the health of the community through prevention, education, and services. For more information, visit https://www.hiact.org.

Media Contacts:

Edna Borchetta
Manager, Mission Services/Community Health & Outreach
St. Vincent’s Medical Center
Hartford HealthCare Fairfield Region
Edna.Borchetta@hhchealth.org | 475-210-6393

Gina Smith
Manager, Community Health
Office of Health Equity & Community Impact
Bridgeport Hospital | Yale New Haven Health
Gina.Smith@ynhh.org | 203-200-3719