VALHALLA, NY (November 1, 2024) – Law enforcement officers can experience undue stress while doing their jobs. To ensure they are fit in the field, Westchester Medical Center is partnering with the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association Surgeons Group to offer heart disease exams to state troopers through its Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program.
Police officers may face a risk of cardiac death up to 70 times higher than normal when involved in stressful situations, according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. They are also 25 times more likely to die of a heart attack than to be killed by a perpetrator during active duty. Even during training, officers can face a risk of cardiac death 25 times higher than during more routine duties, the study said.
Angelica Poniros, Director of Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Services at Westchester Medical Center, said the goal of the program is to offer cardiovascular disease screenings to uncover potential heart conditions that might result in heart attacks and strokes.
“Keeping our law enforcement personnel safe is a priority for us at Westchester Medical Center. When these men and women are engaged in high-adrenaline situations, we want them to do so with confidence in their heart health. Our mission is to screen officers for potential risk factors that could lead to arrhythmias, coronary artery disease or even heart failure. We aim to ensure they are in good health and know how to prevent heart disease in the future,” said Poniros.
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| Westchester Medical Center is Partnering with the New York State Troopers PBA Surgeons Group to Offer Heart Disease Exams to State Troopers |
New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association President Charles W. Murphy said: "New York State Troopers are hardwired to put others first, but we can't fulfill that mission if we don't prioritize our own health. The PBA Surgeons Group is proud to partner with Westchester Medical Center to provide our members with access to cardiac wellness care. Early detection is critical to identifying heart issues and developing a regimen that ensures troopers stay healthy for their families and the New Yorkers who rely on them. We encourage our members — and the general public — to seek out preventative care before potential health problems turn serious."
Participating in the program is simple: Troopers can sign up through the PBA Surgeons Group by calling 518.462.7448, option 4, or emailing Virginia Kolner at vkolner@nystpba.org.
The Westchester Medical Center program has proved popular, as over 30 troopers have signed up for appointments since the partnership launched earlier this fall. Added appointment days are planned to accommodate all who seek an evaluation.
Robert Timmermans, MD, the program’s lead cardiologist, said that troopers would undergo complete screening exams, diagnostic imaging testing and follow-up, including ECG and bloodwork. Troopers would also have access to consultations with dietitians, smoking cessation and other healthy lifestyle programs.
“I speak for all my colleagues when I say we are committed to the health and well-being of our community’s law enforcement officers. Through our comprehensive cardiovascular screenings, we aim to detect potential heart issues early and provide the necessary care to prevent serious health problems. Our goal is to ensure that every officer can perform their duties with confidence, knowing they have the support of our dedicated medical team,” said Dr. Timmermans.
WMCHealth: Committed to Your Heart Health
At the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute, we are at the forefront of cardiology care, utilizing the latest innovations and technologies to provide exceptional treatment. Our commitment to heart disease prevention drives us to collaborate with various organizations to develop impactful programs like our Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Prevention initiative.
We invite you to join us in our mission to promote heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or community partner, your involvement can make a significant difference. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, community members please call 914.909.6922 or visit us.
About Westchester Medical Center Health Network
The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) is a 1,700-bed healthcare system headquartered in Valhalla, New York, with nine hospitals on seven campuses spanning 6,200 square miles of the Hudson Valley. WMCHealth employs more than 12,000 people and has nearly 3,000 attending physicians. The Network has Level I (adult and pediatric), Level II and Level III trauma centers, the region’s only acute care children’s hospital, an academic medical center, several community hospitals, dozens of specialized institutes and centers, Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers, skilled nursing facilities, home-care services and one of the largest mental health systems in New York State. Today, WMCHealth is the pre-eminent provider of integrated health care in the Hudson Valley. For more information about WMCHealth, visit WMCHealth.org or follow WMCHealth on Facebook.com/WMCHealth or Instagram.com/WMCHealth.
About the PBA Surgeons Group
The NYSTPBA's Healthcare Navigation Program helps Troopers, retired Troopers and their immediate family members obtain access to the best possible medical options. Our mission is simple: to improve access to superior health care options for our members. The State Trooper Surgeons program has established relationships and communication protocols with nearly every hospital in New York. Over 3,600 medical providers have partnered with us to ensure that we meet our mission. Together, we strive to help Troopers remain healthy while on the job and ease family stress when there is a need to access healthcare. The medical professionals who join the PBA as State Trooper Surgeons, as well as the hospitals who become Preferred Medical Partners, do so because they care about New York State Troopers. They are an invaluable resource and true part of our team.