Following the strong success of its 250 Screens in 250 Days initiative, Ascension Saint Thomas Heart is expanding its commitment to women’s heart health with a new long term goal to complete 2,030 heart health screenings by the year 2030.
The expanded effort builds on early momentum that brought hundreds of women to free community screening events and connected participants with specialized cardiovascular care. The initiative remains led by the Ascension Saint Thomas Women’s Heart Program Medical Director Dr. Nishtha Sareen and continues to focus on early detection, education and access for women who may not otherwise receive preventive heart screenings.
The original 250 Screens in 250 Days campaign launched in summer 2025 with public screening events at local schools, non-profit organizations, employers and community organizations. Those initial sessions drew strong participation and reinforced the need for accessible, community based heart care for women across the region.
“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet too many women are unaware of their personal risk or how symptoms can present so differently,” said Dr. Sareen. “The response to our screenings showed us that women want this information and access. Expanding to 2,030 screens by 2030 allows us to meet that need at a much greater scale and make a lasting impact on women’s heart health.”
Through the expanded initiative, Ascension Saint Thomas Heart will continue to partner with community outreach to bring free screenings directly to women where they live and work.
At each screening event, participants receive:
- Blood pressure screening
- Body mass index measurement
- 12 lead EKG heart rhythm test
- One on one consultation with a heart specialist
The Women’s Heart Program specializes in diagnosing, treating and monitoring heart disease, heart attack and chronic chest pain, with a focus on the unique ways cardiovascular disease affects women.
Hospital leaders say the 2,030 by 2030 goal reflects Ascension Saint Thomas’ long term commitment to prevention, early intervention and improved outcomes for women across Middle Tennessee.
Additional screening events and community partnerships will be announced throughout the year.
To learn more about upcoming screenings and the Women’s Heart Program, visit Ascension Saint Thomas Women’s Heart Program.
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