Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, but only one in four have their blood pressure under control.

To help people get their blood pressure under better control, Pitt’s Comprehensive Medication Management benefit is providing a high blood pressure education program. Full- and part-time regular University employees with UPMC Health Plan coverage who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure in the last year may be eligible to enroll in the program.

The program aims to help individuals discover a path to manage and understand their blood pressure, lead a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, become more physically active, and reduce stress. Participants in the program will receive:

• A free at-home blood pressure monitor

• Skills to better manage health and, in turn, positively impact blood pressure

• Yearlong access to a pharmacist trained in lifestyle coaching

The program will be held remotely and there is no cost to enroll. Limited spots are available. Those interested in enrolling or learning more about the high blood pressure education program should email Natalie Capozzolo, pharmacist, at mymeds@pitt.edu by March 31. Interested individuals should be available on Mondays in April and May to participate in the program; more information about timing commitments will be shared during the enrollment process.

The Comprehensive Medication Management benefit is provided by the Office of Human Resources Benefits Department. The benefit provides a no-cost opportunity for full- and part-time regular University faculty and staff with UPMC Health Plan coverage to meet with a pharmacist to answer medication-related questions and develop an action plan to help take better control of one’s health. The benefit also provides pre-travel health consultations, smoking cessation guidance and resources, and diabetes prevention services.