Blood pressure screening event at hispanic community organization yields positive screenings and links to primary care

Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults and drives adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Hispanic populations have similar prevalence to the general population but lower control. Targeted interventions leveraging community partnerships could mitigate this problem.

This study evaluated a hypertension screening event in Hazleton, PA tied to a monthly community dinner, aiming to increase hypertension awareness, identify uncontrolled hypertension, address health-related social needs, and link patients to a federally-qualified health center look-alike (FQHC).

A hypertension screening event was conducted at a community dinner, with patients offered education and FQHC appointments. Staffing included 22 FQHC employees, a health plan wellness associate, 7 community organization members, and the research team. The event was advertised on local Spanish-language radio and publications. The menu included low-sodium options, developed in consultation with the FQHC dietician. Bilingual screening and materials were available. A concurrent mixed-methods evaluation was conducted using the RE-AIM framework. Quantitative measures included demographics, blood pressure, primary care status, and scheduling status with the FQHC. Qualitative interviews to assess the event were conducted with community members, community organization staff, and healthcare team members during and after the event to understand their experiences.

Among 145 individuals screened, 140 completed the survey. Seventy-two (72) participants (51%) reported age > 50 years, 102 (73%) reported female sex, 54 (39%) did not have primary care, 58 (41%) reported diagnoses of hypertension. Fifty-nine (59) participants (42%) had blood pressure in the hypertensive range, including 24 (17%) who had never been diagnosed with hypertension. Twenty-six (26) individuals scheduled with the FQHC. Surveys showed high acceptability, though participants requested more interpreters and expanded screenings (e.g., diabetes).

The event engaged the Hispanic community, identified undiagnosed hypertension, and connected participants to care. Similar efforts could advance chronic disease management in other underserved populations and conditions.