Reston Hospital Center is directing a $25,000 grant to the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region to expand maternal health resources and blood pressure monitoring.

The grant, announced Monday, Sept. 21, comes from the HCA Healthcare Foundation and will fund two programs: kits for new parents with resources on healthy pregnancies, safer deliveries and postpartum health, and a self-service blood pressure monitoring station placed with a community partner, Patch reported.

The station's location has not been announced.

"Heart disease is a leading health issue in communities across the country, and expanding access to prevention, education and advanced care is critical," Dr. Sunil Madan, chief medical officer of Reston Hospital Center, said in a statement.

Madan said the grant invests in community-based solutions to help residents understand their heart health and reduce their risk. Reston Hospital Center, at 1850 Town Center Pkwy., is part of HCA Virginia.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of maternal death in the United States, according to information released with the grant announcement. Pregnancy can reveal or increase cardiovascular risks that continue after delivery, making education and follow-up care important before, during and after pregnancy.

The grant is the second $25,000 award from the HCA Healthcare Foundation to a Northern Virginia nonprofit this year. In May, the foundation gave the same amount to the Girl Scouts Council of the Nation's Capital for mental wellness programs, according to HCA Virginia.

The announcement also comes as the Fairfax County Health Department runs a year-long campaign called "Know Your Numbers, Own Your Future" focused on blood pressure awareness. According to the department's campaign, 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, yet only about one in five have it under control.

A Lancet research series published Sept. 11 found that pregnancy-related heart conditions often go undetected and receive uneven treatment worldwide, the Fairfax Times reported.

Coming up: A free Heart Health Event presented by Leidos takes place Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Reston Town Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event features blood pressure screenings, CPR demos, Zumba and wellness vendors.