This World Heart Day, observed on September 29, 2026, the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Kingdom Pharmacy, with support from Bank of America, unveiled a new blood pressure screening station in Washington, D.C.’s Congress Heights neighborhood.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death nationwide and in the District, with Ward 8 being hit the hardest. This gap highlights the importance of early detection and management of hypertension, a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke.
Blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it rarely has symptoms, so many people are unaware they have it until a serious health event occurs. Making it easier for people to check their blood pressure often and get needed care can improve health outcomes in communities disproportionately affected by heart disease.
Dr. Chantal Nkangnia-Njomo, PharmD, RPh, owner and pharmacist-in-charge of Kingdom Pharmacy LLC helped lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Expanding access to blood pressure screenings and helping residents connect to care can identify hypertension earlier, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve health outcomes in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Nkangnia-Njomo.
“Today’s unveiling is especially meaningful because it takes place on World Heart Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and inspiring people to take simple steps that can lead to longer, healthier lives,” added Jessica Moise, vice president of community impact for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region. “The American Heart Association is committed to improving health outcomes across all eight wards through community readiness, nutrition security, tobacco cessation and hypertension management.”
The self-measured blood pressure screening station is now open to the public. Anyone can stop by Kingdom Pharmacy, located at 2910 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032, during the following days and times:
Tuesdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursdays: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pharmacy staff are available to recommend further assistance for those with high blood pressure readings (anything higher than 120/80).
This rollout represents more than a year of coordination between the Association and Kingdom Pharmacy, which began with a conversation about community needs. Last year, with support from the Association, the pharmacy introduced screenings for nutrition insecurity and tobacco use, helping connect patients to relevant health and social services. With the addition of the screening station, the pharmacy is further prioritizing meeting community needs beyond the pharmacy counter.
The mission of the Association’s community impact work is to meet the needs of Greater Washington Region neighbors by supporting organizations like Kingdom Pharmacy that are already playing a critical role and equipping them to further support the health and well-being of those they serve.
