High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In New York State, an estimated 4.9 million people, or 30.5% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. In New York City, rates heavily reflect geographic and socioeconomic disparities, with the highest prevalence concentrated in low-poverty neighborhoods and the lowest rates observed in wealthier districts across the city's five boroughs.
Over the last year, our 125th Street Community Health Center partnered with CHCANYS (Community Health Center Association of New York State) to improve hypertension control across East and Central Harlem. As a member of the collaborative, Housing Works partnered with neighboring healthcare and program providers to implement and evaluate strategies to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease.
Since launching this effort, 125th Street has improved blood pressure control for primary care patients by over 10% through patient education and outreach, distributing blood pressure cuffs, social care needs screening and navigation, preventive cardiology referrals, and adjusting medication. The entire clinical team of providers, nursing, medical assistants, operations, and other key staff partnered together to find a better way to support and keep patients engaged in their healthcare.
Hypertension is challenging to treat because it’s the silent killer. Patients are not always aware of the urgency in treating hypertension until it is too late.Dr. Karintha Holifield, Medical Director, 125th Street Community Health Center
Offering free blood pressure options to patients so they can monitor their numbers at home made a big impact. One of our partner pharmacies, Riverton Pharmacy, patients were able to get a new cuff the same day as their visit and education on how to monitor it with our nursing team. As a member of EngageWell IPA, we also received a supply of wireless blood pressure cuffs so readings could be directly shared with their primary care provider via cloud platform. Regardless of which option patients preferred, patients attended regular follow-up visits with their provider to check-in and adjust treatment as needed to achieve blood pressure control.
Hypertension may be a challenge to overcome but it is possible with the right support. Because of this effort, not only did patients feel more empowered to be proactive partners in their healthcare but our clinical team found a better way to communicate and ensure no patient fell through the cracks.
One patient came to us about 9 months ago with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and heart attack. We found that he was prescribed several drugs by various emergency medical providers without an established therapeutic regimen or consistent clinical oversight. Now he’s on an optimized treatment plan with both chronic medical conditions adequately controlled and linked with supportive services including case management and psychotherapy. This highlights the impact that our coordinated and collaborative efforts have on driving better health outcomes for our patients. We are #StrongerTogether.Nicholas Porretta, Nurse Practitioner, 125th Street Community Health Center
Are you struggling with hypertension? Looking for a new healthcare provider in the East Harlem area? Schedule an appointment today by clicking here or calling us at (718) 277-0386.
