Health seekers

An innovative first for Canada

Heart & Stroke is excited to be working with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing (MCII) to launch a free innovative program aimed at improving the health of Canadians by preventing the onset of hypertension (high blood pressure). The Community Hypertension Prevention Initiative (CHPI) will be funded through Canada’s first health-related pay-for-success model (PFS), also known as a social impact bond. PFSs are innovative public-private financial partnerships that represent a powerful new way to raise funds from the private sector for public good.

Hypertension is the single most important risk factor for stroke, as well as a key risk factor for heart disease. Pre-hypertension is a precursor to clinical hypertension and to cardio and cerebrovascular disease risks associated with high blood pressure. This program, run by Heart & Stroke, will screen and enroll 7,000 pre-hypertensive people into the 6-month CHPI over three years. There is a focus on engaging adults 60+, as this group tends to have the highest risk for developing high blood pressure.

The CHPI will be offered in communities across Toronto starting in 2018, and Vancouver starting in 2020.
Blood pressure screenings will take place at select Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy locations.
Individuals who are pre-hypertensive will be invited to join our free 6-month program to take control of their health through lifestyle risk factor management, such as increased physical activity and improved diet.

The program integrates local community partnerships, best-in-class lifestyle management resources, coaching and digital technology to support participants.