Coronary Combat Initiative

Over the years, BPP has become very close to our hearts (pun intended), as members of our team have collectively dedicated over hundreds of hours towards volunteering at clinics, local community fairs, soup kitchens, and senior citizen centers to provide free blood pressure screenings, education about heart health, and connection to primary care.

However in light of the current COVID-19 crisis, we recognize that there are far more pressing concerns and more vulnerable populations that could use our services. Thus in response to the ongoing situation, we will be implementing our newest project, known as Coronary Combat. Through the Coronary Combat initiative, we hope to expand our activities in order to actively take part in the Californian COVID-19 Response.

The first subproject in our lineup of efforts, has been to raise awareness, and publicize for blood drives that have been taking place via UCSF and the American Red Cross. Listed below is our flyer and instructions on how to sign up for donating blood with the American Red Cross, and why it is so significant for healthy and willing individuals to do:

The second subproject in our lineup of efforts for Coronary Combat was to fundraise at least $1,000 for the Doctors Without Borders’ Covid-19 Response Campaign: Saving Lives Amid Coronavirus.

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Blood Donation Drive with American Red Cross

Blood donation during a pandemic is more crucial than ever. In recent weeks, the American Red Cross has seen a decrease in tens of thousands of blood donations amid the COVID-19 outbreak. In these uncertain times, patients and hospitals are relying on the generosity of blood donors, as the need for donations is constant, since blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled. American Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. If you are feeling well, please make an appointment; we encourage you to do your part to help and save lives! You can schedule a donation at a zip code near you, using this link.

 

Doctors Without Borders (DWB) Fundraiser

Your kind donations will be utilized by DWB to:

1. Buy and ship essential supplies such as masks, gloves, and protective wear to Italian healthcare providers operating within one of the most pandemic-stricken regions in the world.
2. Detect and manage COVID-19 cases among vulnerable populations such as migrants, unaccompanied minors, and the homeless, in countries like France and Belgium.
3. Help finance DWB efforts to work with local authorities so that COVID-19 case management can increase in developing countries like Afghanistan and Syria.
4. Ensure that patients in over 70 countries get the care they need by strengthening vital infection control measures across global DWB projects.

In-Person Volunteer Events

 

More Than Food: Cooking with BPP

Location: South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St, Berkeley, CA 94703

Description: BPP holds monthly cooking demonstrations to support the community in making healthy, affordable, and simple meals.

This month’s recipes:

Mexican chicken soup
One pot cilantro lime rice with black beans
Pico de gallo

H2H Mobile Health Van

Location: Corner of Oregon and Sacramento

Description: Heart 2 Heart’s Monthly Mobile Health Van, Heart 2 Heart coordinators offer community members health-related resources (usually in the form of flyers or pamphlets). BPP volunteers distribute these resources in surrounding neighborhoods and offer free blood pressure screenings (which may be door-to-door or such places as parks or schools).

Heart 2 Heart’s Block Party

Location: On Oregon Street between Bohr and Sacramento Streets in Berkeley, CA

Description: Hosted annually, Heart 2 Heart’s Block Party is a community-wide event involving the gathering of various organizations. Health-related and other informational resources are offered, as are free blood pressure screenings. BPP hosts its own informational table with free blood pressure screenings.

McGee Baptist Church Soup Kitchen

Location: McGee Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St, Berkeley, CA 94703

Description: McGee Baptist Church offers weekly soup kitchen services; and BPP volunteers provide blood pressure screenings, relevant health information and healthy snacks to community members.

 

Suitcase Clinic

Location: First Presbyterian Church, Dana Street at Haste Street, Berkeley, CA

Description: The Suitcase Clinic is an organization that offers free health and social services to the underserved and homeless populations of Berkeley. BPP volunteers provide blood pressure screenings and relevant information on the effects and causes of hypertension to Suitcase Clinic clients.