Improving blood pressure in African American communities through church-based programs

Alive Blood Pressure Project: A church-based intervention to improve blood pressure

NIH-funded research Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11046678

This study is looking at how a friendly program in churches can help African American adults with high blood pressure by offering group education and personal support to encourage healthier habits and stick to their medications.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRush University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046678 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing high blood pressure among African American adults, who face significant health disparities. It employs a church-based intervention that combines group education and individual support to promote healthier lifestyle choices and improve medication adherence. The program includes a culturally-tailored Bible study and behavior change strategies facilitated by trusted church members. By leveraging the church's social support system, the intervention aims to enhance blood pressure control and overall health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 21 and older who have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have high blood pressure or those outside the African American community may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in blood pressure control and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases for African American patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions, particularly in trusted settings like churches, can effectively improve health outcomes in similar populations.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.