Project Has Goal of Improving Health in NE Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. AP - The state Department of Health has received a $140,000 federal grant to help lower blood pressure and improve health for residents in northeastern Minnesota.

Minnesota is one of nine states to receive a grant as part of the federal Million Hearts Initiative.

The project's goal is to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017.

Minnesota Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger says the project will help local clinics better identify and treat people with high blood pressure. It will also develop an organized system for patient follow-up and review. Lessons learned will be shared statewide.

According to a 2010 survey, 27 percent of northeastern Minnesota residents have high blood pressure. That's significantly higher than the 2009 state average of 21 percent.