Building Strong Hearts in the Crossroads: DeTar Announces 2026 Heart Health Expo
Published 7:00 pm Friday, January 9, 2026
Heart disease remains one of the leading health challenges facing communities across the Crossroads, and DeTar Healthcare System is taking action by hosting DeTar’s Heart Health Expo 2026, an expanded, community-wide event designed to educate, screen and empower individuals to take charge of their heart health. The expo will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Victoria Community Center Dome.
DeTar’s Heart Health Expo will bring together residents, healthcare providers, community organizations and local businesses under one roof to promote heart health awareness, provide free vital health screenings and deliver practical education designed to support lifelong cardiovascular wellness.
“Heart disease continues to impact families throughout our region, and education and prevention are critical,” said Brett Maxfield, Chief Executive Officer of DeTar Healthcare System. “DeTar’s Heart Health Expo reflects our commitment to strengthening the health of our community by providing access to screenings, expert guidance and hands-on learning opportunities in one convenient location.”
Attendees can participate in chest pain and stroke awareness education, free health screenings, interactive demonstrations, hands-only CPR training, health booths and door prize drawings throughout the day.
According to Jolene Balboa, Director of Cardiovascular Services at DeTar, the continued growth of the event led to the move to a larger venue. “This event has expanded every year as more members of our community seek education and preventive care,” Balboa said. “Moving to the Victoria Community Center allows us to reach more people, expand our screenings and educational offerings, and make attending easier for individuals, families and employers across the Crossroads.”
DeTar leaders say the Heart Health Expo also serves as a catalyst for a broader week of heart health awareness events throughout the community.
Loading …“The first week of February creates a powerful opportunity to rally our community around heart health,” said Emily Weatherly, Director of Marketing at DeTar Healthcare System. “With DeTar’s Heart Health Expo on Thursday, Feb. 5, Go Red for Women Day on Friday, Feb. 6, and the 2026 Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk on Saturday, February 7, we are helping Crossroads residents to kick off American Heart Month with education, action and awareness. It’s truly a strong heart start for February.”
Event Schedule
9 – 11 a.m.
Health Screenings & Educational Booths
Location: Dome
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
VPD Heart Health Lunch & Learn
Location: Annex
Sponsored by DeTar Healthcare System. This free heart health educational event includes lunch. Pre-registration is requested at www.victoriatx.gov/1019/Lunch-and-Learn
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
DeTar’s “Strong Hearts Start at Work”
Victoria Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Location: Dome
This luncheon features a cardiologist keynote presented by DeTar’s Dr. Harish Chandna and Jessica Heller, FNP-C with DeTar Medical Group Primary Care, who will discuss the importance of starting your heart health journey with a primary care provider. Jolene Balboa, Director of Cardiovascular Services at DeTar, will provide workplace heart health education, including hands-only CPR and share practical strategies employers can use to promote heart-healthy habits among employees.
The cost is $25 per person for Victoria Chamber Members; $40 for non-members. A portion of ticket sales proceeds will be donated to the 2026 Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk. Register by calling (361) 573-5277 or online:
1 – 2 p.m.
Health Screenings & Booths Resume
Final opportunity to visit booths and participate in door prize drawings.
Location: Dome
DeTar’s Heart Health Expo is open to the public to attend and designed to educate, engage and inspire individuals of all ages to take proactive steps toward better heart health.
For more information, visit www.detar.com.
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