Trinity Health System is holding the 20th Annual Heartland event today until 6 p.m. at the Fort Steuben Mall.

Trinity Director of Community Relations and Development Keith Murdock said it's designed as the "largest heart risk appraisal under one roof."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. That's 1 in every 4 deaths.

"Young adults, even children, should consider this because it gives you a baseline for the rest of your life, no matter what age you are," Murdock said.

There are more than 30 different blood screenings offered at the event, and people can get them done for just $35.

Melissa Hassan, director of the Trinity School of Nursing, said that elevated blood sugar, elevated cholesterol and elevated blood pressure are the most common complications that people often don't even realize they have.

"I think it's vitally important for people to periodically do a blood test to check their cholesterol, their blood sugar and their blood pressure, because some of these things are slow and insidious in their onset and you don't know that something is brewing," Hassan said.

And people keep coming back year after year. Cynthia Morris has been attending the event for the last 15 years. Thankfully, all of her results have been positive, but she still gets the tests done each time they're offered.

Morris said, "It is so convenient and I do encourage everyone to do it, especially for those who have no insurance. It is very cost-effective and you really do know what's going on with your body."

More than 26,000 area residents have participated in the Heartland event over the years, and organizers said they expect that many more will be added to that number today.