Introducing the National Hypertension Control Initiative
It's time to create a healthier, more equitable country
Save the Date!
May 17, 7-8 p.m. CST
Join us on World Hypertension Day
For a virtual event introduction the American Heart Association's National Hypertension Control Initiative to combat high blood pressure through a community effort.
Our Challenge
Hypertension and, by extension, COVID-19 hit vulnerable communities harder than others.
- Almost half of U.S. adults suffer from hypertension, and many don't know they have it.
- Black and Latinx people are twice as likely to develop hypertension. That disparity can be related to social determinants of health, as well as genetics and other health and environmental issues.
- The greater risk for hypertension results in more heart attacks and heart disease, including strokes, which contribute to disproportionate negative outcomes for those infected with COVID-19.
Our Strategy
Increase awareness of hypertension and create an effective preventive care system through four overlapping community approaches.
- Engage the public through outreach and messaging to vulnerable communities regarding risks, self-monitoring techniques and connecting with a healthcare professional to develop a plan for blood pressure management.
- Collaborate with community organizations to support the community by providing blood pressure education, screenings and encouraging a connection with heath care professionals for blood pressure management. These gathering places may include community-based organizations such as recreation and senior centers, houses of worship and hair salons and barber shops, to name a few.
- Involve health care professionals by encouraging best practices in clinical settings, particularly at health centers that serve at-risk communities.
Our goal
Improve health care and save lives in at-risk communities, which are most affected by hypertension and COVID-19.
- Increase blood pressure control by working in tandem with community members, businesses and organizations and Community Health Centers across the country to remove barriers and improve health for vulnerable populations.
For questions about the National Hypertension Control Initiative, please email us at nhci@heart.org.
National Hypertension Control Initiative
This initiative is supported by a cooperative agreement with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $12 million in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by OMH/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/