Abstract

Health care disparities remain an obstacle for countless minorities. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and mental health problems are significant public health problems. Strategies that address leading CVD risk factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels, and smoking can reduce the burden of CVD. The purpose of this study is to increase health equity and decrease health disparity in the population that presents to a faith-based food pantry and clothing closet located in the Southeastern United States by the addition of a health, wellness, and prevention clinic. Furthermore, it aims to increase blood pressure control a goal of Healthy People 2020, by agreement to preventive services by advanced practice nurse practitioners and their students. The clinic offered health screenings to measure vital signs, body mass index, and lung and cardiac assessment; individual history; laboratory analysis of serum hemoglobin A1C and lipid profile and total cholesterol; and self-assessment mental health tools for alcohol, depression and anxiety Participant education and guidance were provided with referrals to primary care. Sixty-three participants presented to the clinic over a 12-month period. The occurrences of hypertension and obesity matched national statistical prevalence.