This article originally appeared in the Hobbs News-Sun.
By: Mayra Lovas
In a meaningful step toward improving cardiovascular health in southeastern New Mexico, the American Heart Association (AHA) has received a Lifestyle RX grant from the JF Maddox Foundation to expand its efforts in Lea County. Building on a successful pilot program launched in 2022, the enhanced Lifestyle RX Initiative, in partnership with Nor-Lea Hospital District and the City of Hobbs – CORE and Public Library, aims to improve access to blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle coaching, and community-based education reaching deeper into local neighborhoods and ensuring families have the tools they need to prevent and manage heart disease.
This grant will help create a safe, healthy, and engaged community which is part of the Foundation’s overall strategic plan for Lea County. It also strengthens partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations, and public agencies across the community .
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and New Mexico is no exception. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, heart disease accounted for over 17% of all deaths statewide in 2020. More concerning, Lea County ranks among the highest in the state for heart disease mortality, with more than 200 deaths per 100,000 people recorded in recent years. Local data also indicates that 6% of adults in Lea County report having been diagnosed with heart disease, nearly double the state average of 3.2%.
Contributing factors include limited access to preventive care, high rates of hypertension, and challenges related to access to healthy foods and nutrition, physical activity, and chronic stress. The Lifestyle RX Initiative directly addresses these issues by meeting people where they are offering culturally relevant, community-centered interventions.
At the core of the initiative there are three components. Blood pressure monitoring stations will be made more widely available in public spaces and community health centers, making it easier for residents to monitor their numbers regularly. Lifestyle Coaching sessions, often held in group settings, will provide personalized support around healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, and stress management. Community education events such as health fairs, school-based programs, and interactive workshops will equip families with the knowledge and resources to live heart-healthy lives.
This multi-pronged approach ensures that prevention, early detection, and ongoing support are accessible across Lea County, especially in rural or underserved communities.
An exciting new element is the integration of HeartCorps, an AmeriCorps program launched by the AHA to recruit and place volunteers in communities where heart disease is most prevalent. HeartCorps members serve as health champions leading education sessions, helping residents navigate local resources, and acting as trusted messengers for prevention and care.
The Lifestyle RX expansion represents more than a public health project, it’s a community movement rooted in equity, empowerment, and engagement. By addressing both the medical and social drivers of heart health, this initiative has the potential to transform lives in Lea County.
As the program rolls out over the coming months, residents can expect to see more heart health events, free screenings, and opportunities to get involved. Together, these efforts will help build a stronger, healthier Lea County – one heartbeat at a time.
Mayra Lovas is the Vice President of Grants at the JF Maddox Foundation, a family foundation in Lea County, New Mexico. Alongside its partners, the foundation invests in education, social services, and community development for a greater quality of life for Lea County residents.
Keep In Touch