• A message from Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

    The Virginia Public Safety Foundation, a longtime ally of the public safety community, made an important decision - we can make a difference in preventing line of duty deaths if we draw attention to the crisis of hypertension. Nearly 40% of all line of duty deaths in Virginia are related to heart disease. After all, few professions demand more of their employees or promote greater stress than public safety.

    I know the challenges families face in promoting healthy diets and active lifestyles; and I can relate to the hectic schedules that promote stress, poor diet and exercise habits and missed doctors' appointments. My wife, Jean Ann, and I raised two sons during my time in public office. My message to you is this, make your heart health a priority because it's not just your family that depends on you, thousands of Virginians depend on you too!

    Healthy Heroes is making it easier for you by promoting the many services that already exist, some sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia, to support you on your journey. The information here, compiled with the guidance of our partners in heart health, Anthem and the American Heart Association, is a good place to start.

    To the health of our public safety community,


    Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
    Honorary Chairman


  • Healthy Heroes Campaign






    In 2010, VPSF launched the "Healthy Heroes" campaign in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, to raise awareness of the critical issue of high blood pressure in Virginia's public safety community.

    For nearly 20 years, VPSF has provided support for the survivors of line of duty deaths. Healthy Heroes seeks to address line of duty deaths proactively, working to prevent the many deaths caused by heart disease.

    Incidents of hypertension are common in the firefighter and police officer communities. Healthy Heroes offers educational information and training to promote heart health and physical wellness.

    For more information on Healthy Heroes, please call 804-648-6299x5832.


  • Events and Conferences



    VPSF attends annual conferences and events to promote Healthy Heroes and distribute educational materials to participants. Would you like to promote Healthy Heroes at your organization's meeting or convention? We'll set up a table and pass out information on exercise, living a healthy lifestyle, dieting on the beat or in the firehouse, and reducing stress. For more information on having VPSF at your event, call 804-648-6299x5832.

    Blood Pressure Screenings and Training

    VPSF would like to bring our blood pressure screening services to your firehouse, precinct, or office. Knowing your blood pressure numbers can be the catalyst for the change you need to improve your health. Of course, they also help you monitor the progress of your medications or health regimen.

    Did you know that many folks, including first responders, don't know the correct procedure for checking blood pressure? Healthy Heroes offers training seminars on properly checking blood pressure, and the importance of blood pressure monitoring during and after fire calls.

    To schedule a blood pressure screening for your agency, organization or department, call VPSF at 804-648-6299 x5832.

    Dietician Services

    Maintaining proper diet and finding time to exercise isn't easy for anyone, but first responders face particular challenges: working overnight shifts, spending long periods seated in a car, eating in restaurants or firehouse kitchens, just to name a few.

    There are ways, however, to manage these challenges and they begin with making good diet choices and wisely managing time.

    VPSF provides educational brochures, and offers seminars, on proper diet, workplace eating, and time and stress management.

    Know Your Benefits

    Coming Soon





  • VPSF is proud to partner with the American Heart Association to promote their Life's Simple 7 campaign for a healthy hearts and lives.

    Life's Simple 7 is an easy outline of seven steps you can take to live a longer, healthier life.

    Get Active: Regular physical activity helps your body in many ways. It can lower blood pressure, increase HDL "good cholesterol in your blood, control sugar by improving how your body uses insulin, reduce feelings of stress, control body weight and make you feel good about yourself!

    Control Cholesterol: It's important for all people to know their cholesterol level. Total blood cholesterol is the most common measurement of blood cholesterol. It's the number you receive as test results. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood. A cholesterol level of 200mg/dL or higher puts you in a high-risk category and is cause to take action.

    Eat Better: You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients, but are lower in calories. To get nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and fat-free or low-dairy products most often. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods daily from each of the basic food groups.

    Manage Blood Pressure: Hypertension is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21% don't even know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have their blood pressure controlled.

    Lose Weight: What is BMI? Body mass index assesses your body weight relative to height. It's a useful, indirect measure of body composition because it correlates highly with body fat in most people. To calculate your exact BMI value, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, divide by your height in inches, then divide again by your height in inches.

    Reduce Blood Sugar: Diabetes can cause your blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into our bodies' cells.

    Stop Smoking: Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis - the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries - which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Controlling or reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.