Efforts to improve hypertension management, and address root causes of hypertension health disparities, are getting a boost at Neighborhood Health Center

Univera Healthcare has selected Neighborhood to receive a grant that Neighborhood will invest in its Reducing Hypertension through Integrated Care program. Through this program, Neighborhood care teams – including primary care providers, registered dietitians, and a clinical pharmacist – collaborate to tailor approaches to hypertension management for each individual patient. Hypertension has few symptoms, and left untreated it can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.

“In Erie County, Black/African American adults are more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension than members of any other racial or ethnic category. Hypertension is also more common in people experiencing financial insecurity. We’re looking at the root causes of these disparities, and then looking where we can improve within our systems to address the root causes,” said Neighborhood President and CEO Joanne Haefner, FNP. “We thank Univera Healthcare for believing in our efforts to improve health outcomes and care for our patients so they can enjoy their highest level of health and wellbeing.”

These awards provide funding to community-based organizations to support programs focused on combating racial and ethnic health disparities. This is the fourth year Univera Healthcare has presented these awards, following a process that includes an open call for applications and a review of submissions.