Duke program aims to reduce hypertension disparities

An American Hospital Association podcast explores how Duke University partnered with a local federally qualified health center to address hypertension disparities in Durham, N.C. Student volunteers called patients with hypertension about their needs. In response to community feedback, Duke provided free blood pressure cuffs, helped patients create smart goals and conducted a social needs assessment. Duke hired students as community health workers to meet with patients to discuss lifestyle changes. After one year, systolic blood pressure of participants dropped more than 15 mg on average. In addition, the students connected patients with primary care providers and services to address patients’ social needs, such as food, transportation and assistance with housing insecurity.