Authors:

Stephania Petit Homme

Date Created:

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About Paper:

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with high blood pressure as a major risk factor. In communities like Martindale- Brightwood in Indianapolis, limited access to care contributes to higher hypertension rates and lower life expectancy. To address this, the Purdue University Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation partnered with Gennesaret Free Clinic to launch the Heart Healthy Clinic. The clinic provides free healthcare to uninsured and under-resourced individuals, supported by a pharmacist and community health worker. We conducted a descriptive analysis of data collected from clinic patients between February 2023 and May 2025. Our goals were to describe the clinic's population and examine whether blood pressure outcomes varied by age, gender, race, ethnicity, and primary language. Using Microsoft Excel, we summarized demographics and compared blood pressure readings across subgroups. The study included 85 patients with an average age of 52. Most were male (60%), Black (58%), Hispanic (32%), uninsured (75%), and Spanish-speaking (32%). On average, blood pressure decreased by 6 points. Hispanic patients experienced a 10-point reduction, compared to 2 points among non-Hispanics. Women had higher blood pressure than men, but both groups saw a 6-point decrease. Haitian Creole speakers had the highest average blood pressure and the smallest improvement. Further research is needed to understand why Hispanic patients improved the most and Haitian Creole speakers the least. Community-based care improves blood pressure outcomes and strengthens local health systems. We recommend expanding access through mobile clinics, screenings, and local partnerships to advance health equity. Keywords: [no keywords provided] † Presenting Undergrad Author; ‡ Contributing Undergrad Author; * Undergrad Acknowledgment

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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No topics listed

Co-authors:

Stephania Petit Homme