Hypertension Research

Advancing Equity in Hypertension Care in Evanston

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of shortened life expectancy.
Improving blood pressure control is one of the most effective ways to reduce cardiovascular
and overall mortality.

The Evanston Pathway to Wellness was created to address hypertension disparities
and improve outcomes in Evanston’s most impacted communities.

Why This Work Matters

• Over one-third of residents in Census Tract 8092 have hypertension — higher than the Evanston average.
• Poverty rates among Black (18%) and Hispanic/Latino (19%) residents exceed the city average (11%).
• Life expectancy is up to 13 years lower than in more affluent neighborhoods.

The program now serves eligible Evanston residents citywide, with priority given to tracts 8092, 8096, and 8102.

Program Design

Phase A: Lifestyle Intervention

Participants engage in a modular program integrating physical activity, nutrition, and
hypertension education to improve blood pressure control.

Phase B: Medication Management Pathway

Participants are randomized to either community pharmacist-led medication management
or referral back to primary care to assess reductions in systolic blood pressure.

Research & Evaluation

This randomized controlled study generates actionable evidence to inform city and
health system strategies.

The evaluation is led by Dr. Elizabeth B. Lynch of Rush University Medical Center.

The program includes rigorous data collection, objective outcome measurement, and
continuous monitoring aligned with current medical guidelines.

Sustainability & Impact

Approved with $400,000 in ARPA funding, the program evolved from a one-year pilot
to a three-year initiative to ensure measurable, sustainable impact.

The long-term goal is to establish a scalable model that helps close Evanston’s life expectancy gap.

Corporate & Community Partnerships

We welcome partnerships with organizations committed to advancing health equity.

• Workplace wellness collaborations
• Research participation
• Community-based programming
• Sponsorship support

Eligibility

• Evanston residents
• Diagnosed with hypertension
• At or below 250% of the federal poverty level
• Completion of HIPAA-compliant surveys

Take the Next Step

Contact a Specialist Today to learn more about partnership opportunities or program enrollment.

Support This Work
Your donation expands access to hypertension prevention and management in underserved communities.