Indianapolis Health Equity Access outReach & Treatment (iHEART)
Background & Significance
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common, ‘silent’, cardiovascular health disease (CVD) that can contribute to many other chronic or severe conditions affecting the brain, kidneys and even pregnancy risks. CVD is the number one cause for death in the United States accounting for 21% of national mortalities. Indiana ranks 35th out of the 50 states for overall health and 36th for high blood pressure, 30th for high cholesterol and 40th for obesity. For Indianapolis, Black residents have a 16% greater chance of CVD related death than their White counterparts and 14% greater chance than the total population.
The iHEART collaborative is a hub for delivering interventions imbedded in clinical settings and community institutions including barbershops/salons and local places of worship –directly bringing health resources to those facing barriers to care.
This website provides details on strengths and challenges among communities prioritized for outreach under iHEART. The Riverside, Meadows-Martindale Brightwood and Near Southeast Side make up the ‘iHEART Anchor Communities’ which have prioritized outreach to serve their diverse populations and reduce barriers limiting access to quality CVD care.
iHEART
Indianapolis Health Equity Access outReach & Treatment
Background & Significance
The iHEART collaborative is a hub for delivering interventions embedded in clinical settings and community institutions including barbershops/salons and local places of worship – directly bringing health resources to those facing barriers to care.
This website provides details on strengths and challenges among communities prioritized for outreach under iHEART. The Riverside, Meadows-Martindale Brightwood, and Near Southeast Side make up the ‘iHEART Anchor Communities’ which have prioritized outreach to serve their diverse populations and reduce barriers limiting access to quality CVD care. Show More
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common, ‘silent’, cardiovascular health disease (CVD) that can contribute to many other chronic or severe conditions affecting the brain, kidneys, and even pregnancy risks. CVD is the number one cause of death in the United States, accounting for 21% of national mortalities. Indiana ranks 35th out of the 50 states for overall health and 36th for high blood pressure, 30th for high cholesterol, and 40th for obesity. For Indianapolis, Black residents have a 16% greater chance of CVD-related death than their White counterparts and a 14% greater chance than the total population. Show More
iHEART Philosophy
The iHEART Collaborative focuses on reducing the severity of CVD for residents through education, CVD risk screening, and referrals to residents’ preferred medical care options. Here are three key elements of iHEART’s strategic approach:
- Community-based Collaborations: Residents visit trusted institutions (places of worship, community centers, barbershops/salons) more frequently than healthcare settings, and these partners provide insight on local needs.
- Resident Centered Outreach: iHEART shifts health resources from medical settings to accessible local settings.
- SDOH Approach: Medical care only accounts for 20% of an individual’s overall health. To address social determinants of health/social needs, iHEART provides referrals for access to food, utilities, childcare, and transportation.
iHEART GOALS
Goal 1:
- Screen 10% of or 1,400 adults in the iHEART anchor communities for CVD risks.
Goal 2:
- 20% reduction in emergency department visits.
- 30% reduction in rehospitalization rates annually for iHEART anchor community residents identified at high risk for CVD.
iHEART Anchor Communities
The iHEART Collaborative assessed demographic, economic and CVD prevalence data to identify the three anchor communities for this initiative. This analysis revealed three Indianapolis neighborhoods with elevated CVD prevalence as well as localized challenges to accessing healthcare. Through community outreach and engagement, the iHEART Collaborative provides referrals to medical and social resources for residents to avoid developing CVD and supporting those managing their current chronic conditions.
Known as North Indianapolis when platted in 1873 as an industrial area with a small residential population, Riverside now includes the neighborhoods of Riverside, Eagledale, Cold Springs, and Near Northwest.Notable landmarks of the Riverside neighborhood include the Major Taylor Velodrome, Riverside Park, Crispus Attucks High School and Museum, and the 16 Tech district.
The Meadows - Martidale Brightwood area includes the Meadows, Martindale-Brightwood, Forest Manor, and Audubon Gardens neighborhoods.The Meadows - Martindale Brightwood neighborhoods include Washington Park, portions of the Fall Creek Trail, Wes Montgomery Park, and the 38th Street and Martindale - Brightwood Public Library branches. Recent private-public investment in the area also has paid off with a grocery and other stores, new apartments, and a dental office.
The Near Southeast area includes the vibrant neighborhoods of Fountain Square, Bates-Hendricks, Garfield Park, Old Southside, and Christian Park.The Near Southeast neighborhood includes Garfield Park, portions of the Cultural Trail, the three historic districts of Fountain Square, in addition to the southern portion of the Mile Square of Downtown Indianapolis.