Erie County Clerk Kearns and Mercy Hospital Team Up to Offer Free Stroke and Blood Pressure Screenings

Screenings begin October 5 at the Erie County Auto Bureau in Southgate Plaza and continue at locations across Erie County through October 30

Buffalo, N.Y. - Going to the Auto Bureau could do more than help you renew your registration or license-it could help save your life.

Erie County Clerk Michael P. "Mickey" Kearns and Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, a member of Catholic Health, are teaming up to offer free blood pressure and stroke prevention screenings at select Erie County Auto Bureau locations leading up to World Stroke Day on October 29.

The Auto Bureau Stroke Prevention Screening Program is part of the Erie County Clerk's "Clerk's Wellness Collaborative," an initiative designed to bring health and wellness information directly into the communities where people live, work and conduct everyday business.

Stroke remains a major public health concern. Up to 50% of strokes can occur without warning. Stroke is the No. 2 cause of death worldwide, and the rate of stroke death in Erie County is higher than the national average and approximately 60% higher than the New York State average.

As part of the initiative, Catholic Health clinicians will provide free blood pressure screenings and carotid artery screenings. A carotid artery screening is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound test that examines the two major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain and can identify blockages that may increase the risk of stroke.

The screenings are free, confidential and open to the public, as well as Erie County Clerk's Office employees. Anyone visiting an Auto Bureau at one of the scheduled locations is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

"This is a different kind of Auto Bureau experience, and that is exactly why I think it can make a difference," said Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns. "People may not expect to receive a mini health checkup while taking care of their DMV business, but that is what makes this initiative so valuable. The way people receive healthcare information is changing, and we have to meet people where they are.

Kearns added, "Our Auto Bureaus are trusted and heavily visited community locations, which makes them an ideal place to bring important health information directly to the public. A simple blood pressure or stroke screening could identify a potential problem and encourage someone to seek medical attention before it is too late. I thank Mercy Hospital and Catholic Health for partnering with us and for helping bring these potentially lifesaving services into our communities."

The Auto Bureau wellness partnership between Clerk Kearns and Mercy Hospital began in 2018, when the two organizations offered free blood pressure screenings at Erie County Auto Bureau locations. More than 200 residents participated, and 38% were found to have elevated blood pressure and were counseled to seek appropriate medical care.

In 2020, the partnership has now expanded to focus on stroke prevention and early detection.

Free Stroke and Blood Pressure Screening Schedule: All screenings will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

10/5- Southgate Plaza Branch -1088B Union Road, West Seneca

10/6- Buffalo Branch-170 Pearl Street, Buffalo

10/22- Eastern Hills Mall Branch -4545 Transit Road, Williamsville (*Starting at 10am)

10/23-Southgate Plaza Branch-1088B Union Road, West Seneca

10/26-Town of Tonawanda Branch-2309 Eggert Road, Tonawanda

10/30- Urbandale Plaza Branch-2122 George Urban Blvd., Depew

"At Mercy Hospital, we believe the strongest communities are built through collaboration and prevention," said Derek S. Drake, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, NE-BC, CNML, CNL, President of Mercy Hospital. "Our partnership with the Auto Bureau Stroke Prevention Screening Program reflects our commitment to expanding access to preventive care and helping people stay healthy. Together, we are working to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke while creating a healthier future for our community."

Residents do not need to conduct a specific DMV transaction to participate in the screenings. The Erie County Clerk's Office and Catholic Health encourage members of the public to stop by, get screened and learn more about protecting themselves from stroke.