Improving life expectancy in Black communities through social investments
Official title: VITAL: Vital Investments To Advance Life expectancy
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11060358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how living in different neighborhoods affects the health and life expectancy of Black and White people, and it’s specifically testing whether improvements in West Garfield Park, like a wellness center and community support, can help boost heart health for the local Black community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $785,943 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG094351-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit are Black individuals residing in high-poverty neighborhoods, particularly in West Garfield Park, Chicago.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living outside of the targeted neighborhoods or those not identifying as Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the life expectancy gap between Black and White individuals, focusing on how social and structural conditions in segregated neighborhoods contribute to health disparities. It aims to measure the impact of a significant investment in West Garfield Park, Chicago, which includes a wellness center, business support, and community initiatives designed to enhance health and well-being. By addressing the root causes of chronic stress and unhealthy behaviors, the project seeks to improve cardiovascular health outcomes in the local Black population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health and increased life expectancy for Black individuals living in underserved neighborhoods.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively address health disparities, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynch, Elizabeth B — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lynch, Elizabeth B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.