In Richmond’s East End, multiple studies have shown the life expectancy to be around 20 years shorter compared to the West End.

High blood pressure has become a particular issue in that area, with data from the Virginia Department of Health saying that hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for disease mortality in the East End.

To address that problem, Bon Secours piloted the Hypertension Management Program, a health equity program designed to give patients the tools they need to manage their high blood pressure.

After interacting with volunteer community health workers for Bon Secours, Brigitte Andrews decided to become one herself. Through AmeriCorps, she became certified last May.

“Everybody needs to do better when it comes to their health,” said Brigitte Andrews, 62, one of the program’s participants. “Even if you feel like you’re the healthiest person you know in the world, everybody needs to be able to take it another level.”

The East End was among the parts of Richmond impacted by discriminatory housing practices known as redlining between the 1930s and 1960s. More than 50 years after the Fair Housing Act, many formerly redlined communities still face poor health outcomes.

A study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition found higher poverty rates, more chronic disease cases and shorter life spans for residents in those areas, even in the present day.

Dr. Paula Young, chief medical officer of community health for Bon Secours and vice president of medical affairs for Richmond Community Hospital, said the health system frequently conducts community health needs assessments , including analyses of life expectancies.

Dr. Paula Young, chief medical officer of community health for Bon Secours, said the health system frequently conducts community health needs assessments, including analyses of life expectancies. “Why do we see this difference depending on what your ZIP code is and where you live, and what things can we do to counteract that?” Young said. “That is a big reason for why we’re doing this (program) here in the East End.”

“Why do we see this difference depending on what your ZIP code is and where you live, and what things can we do to counteract that?” Young said. “That is a big reason for why we’re doing this (program) here in the East End.”

Last year, 17 participants were referred to the Hypertension Management Program by Dr. Charmaine Elliott of Richmond Community Hospital.

Throughout the program, nurses check blood pressure numbers and teach patients how to self-monitor their blood pressure.

Pharmacists offer medication management and work with primary care providers for medication adjustments.

A registered dietitian teaches nutrition education and leads cooking classes for patients. Community health workers conduct health needs assessments and provide support to patients.

“It’s a way of bringing it all together for wraparound care,” Young said. “It’s realizing that health care happens more than just in your doctor’s office.”

Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension is a condition many people have without realizing it. Many of the participants came to the program without being hospitalized or having major symptoms, but wanted to make sure their health was under control.

“It’s important to do it because a lot of times you don’t feel a certain way when your blood pressure is off,” Andrews said. “There are a lot of people walking around with high blood pressure and they don’t have any idea.”

Group activities were held at the Center for Healthy Living—Sarah Garland Jones Center, which includes a community room, café and commercial-grade kitchen.

The kitchen allows participants to try new foods like squash, eggplant and tofu, as well as make their own creations such as dressings.

“They always say ‘don’t say what you don’t like unless you try it,’” said Thomas Jones, 67. “So we did try a lot of stuff that I thought I would never try.”

Thomas Jones, a participant in Bon Secours’ Hypertension Management Program, said he enjoyed the camaraderie. “It helped me maintain where I am now,” Jones said, “to keep exercising, to learn how to cook better and to learn how to just live.”

Numerous community partners came to the center to help the group take part in such activities as line dancing, hip-hop cardio, paint and sips, and game nights.

Andrews and Jones said the activities were fun and that the group became like family over time.

“We really got to know each other and we learned a lot,” Andrews said. “I think most of the people got our blood pressures under control, and that’s the most important thing.”

“There are a lot of people walking around with high blood pressure and they don’t have any idea,” said Brigitte Andrews.

By the time the patients graduated, Bon Secours reported better blood pressure numbers from the group. More than 1,500 patient interactions with health care professionals occurred during the program, speaking to the commitment of the group.

The program provided additional health benefits with improved lab results for blood glucose, cholesterol and kidney function levels, as well as weight loss.

Many family members and friends showed up at the graduation ceremony in December to celebrate their loved ones’ accomplishments.

“I think it’s important that everyone understands what you’re trying to do and to support you and not help sabotage you,” Andrews said. “With the family support and friend support, it helps you. They help hold you accountable.”

During graduation, Young observed the family of one of the participants eating the same healthy food at the table, which could go a long way in establishing good habits.

During graduation, Dr. Paula Young observed the family of one of the participants eating the same healthy food at the table, which could go a long way in establishing good habits. “I can just see it being passed down to another generation to start out healthy with the way they’re eating and learning about exercise,” Young said.

“I can just see it being passed down to another generation to start out healthy with the way they’re eating and learning about exercise,” Young said. “That felt really good to me, to see mom, husband and children all agree to this plan and way of life.”

After interacting with the volunteer community health workers, Andrews decided to become one herself. Through AmeriCorps, she became certified as a community health worker for Bon Secours last May.

“It’s a great experience,” she said. “I’ve always liked helping people, so this is a way for me to serve and learn.”

The program's group activities were held at the Bon Secours Center for Healthy Living - Sarah Garland Jones Center, which includes a community room, café and commercial-grade kitchen. The kitchen allows participants to try new foods like squash, eggplant and tofu. “They always say ‘don’t say what you don’t like unless you try it,’” said Thomas Jones. “So we did try a lot of stuff that I thought I would never try.”

This month, the Hypertension Management Program is beginning a new cycle, expanding to add patients from Dr. Harold Green’s office. With any luck, the new participants will like the program as much as the first class.

“I enjoyed the camaraderie, the people, period,” Jones said. “It helped me maintain where I am now, to keep exercising, to learn how to cook better and to learn how to just live.”