Often health disparity projects are directed by health care providers and institutions, educating and engaging consumers about the specific health issue. The Hypertension Intervention Project, launched by the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) one year ago, took a different approach by focusing on peer-to-peer consumer education to lower blood pressure among African Americans in Wayne County.
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Gail Perry Mason on Controlling
High Blood Pressure |
Today, more than 250 African Americans have participated in the GDAHC Hypertension Intervention Project. Hypertension rates decreased by 10 percent among this group, exceeding our goal.
Nearly 40 percent of African American men in Wayne County have hypertension, while even more African American females, 45 percent, are dealing with the disease. Reducing hypertension leads to a two-prong objective: improved quality of life and decreased health care cost.
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Keith & Lela Rucker on the Importance of
Family Support in Controlling Hypertension |
Through our new Macomb County partnership, with support from the Michigan Department of Community Health, GDAHC will expand the Hypertension Intervention Project into Eastpointe, Roseville and Warren beginning this spring.
We encourage you to
watch the life-changing stories and peer-to-peer education from African American men and women. They have altered their lifestyle to reduce hypertension and ultimately improve their quality of life.
