The American Heart Association and many other health professionals are worried about fewer people going to their doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, it rolled out a pilot program that gives up to 500 people a chance to learn about a few important health topics that could save lives.

“This is a good opportunity to see if we can do that virtually in a way that communities would utilize,” said Justin Bell, who is the vice president of health strategies for the American Heart Association.

Bell says the organization had been discussing the idea but knew the pandemic was the perfect time to roll it out.

Partnering with the Medtronic Foundation, free virtual lessons are interactive and informative. Because it’s just a pilot program, it’s only being offered in Minnesota and will end in August.

Topics have included blood pressure, diabetes and spotting signs of a health emergency, such as a stroke or a heart attack.

"It’s important to stay on top of those things,” Bell said. “[It’s] information that people hear in community health settings, but they’re just not gathering in those right now. So, virtually was really a good opportunity to try it.”

The lessons are free and are all virtual. To see the rest of the schedule and to join, click here.