Reducing Hypertension

A population health initiative in Rochester, New York, is bringing together two health care systems and the community and successfully reducing hypertension for many residents. The University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health are partners in the Blood Pressure Advocate Program, created in August 2012 with funding from local and regional grants. The goal was “to improve blood pressure control among those seeking care at neighborhood clinics by assisting clinic staff in addressing the social and behavioral determinants of patients' health.” Community health advocates (CHAs)—local residents who receive training through the program—play a key role. Embedded at local primary care centers that serve vulnerable populations, the CHAs work with patients to “set achievable goals to lower their blood pressure though changes in diet, exercise, smoking cessation and stress management.” The peer-to-peer counseling has been extremely effective, according to clinicians. And the results show it: As of December 2014, more than 70 percent of participants had their blood pressure under control.

This program is one of five led by AHA member hospitals that are being recognized with the 2015 AHA NOVA Award.