Improving Blood Pressure with Community Care

Original Articles: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/996448?ecd=wnl_infocu4_broad_broad_persoexpansion-algo_20231206_etid6128482&uac=476612SY&impID=6128482

Partnership for Better Health

Community health centers joined the National Hypertensive Control Initiative (NHCI), focusing on self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) and other methods. Early reports show major progress in controlling blood pressure rates from 44% to 70% and higher. These improvements are vital for patients hit hardest by hypertension.

Tailored Care and Training

The NHCI, backed by the US Department of Health and Human Services, supports 350 health centers. These centers, serving underprivileged communities, receive specialized training and resources. The program emphasizes proper blood pressure measurement, monitoring, medication routines, and lifestyle adjustments. It particularly focuses on groups like Black, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaskan Native populations, offering culturally sensitive interventions to meet their needs.

Success Stories in Community Health

Community health centers have seen significant results from their efforts. For instance, centers in Louisiana, Arizona, and California adopted diverse approaches, such as team-based care models and collaboration with community health workers. These strategies helped them increase blood pressure control rates substantially, offering hope for more effective hypertension management across different communities. Overall, having good control of blood pressure reduces the risk of a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure saving lives and money.