Nationwide Initiative Targets Hypertension in Underserved Communities
Aetna Medicaid, a CVS Health® company and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) today announced a groundbreaking collaboration to improve blood pressure control rates in selected Aetna Medicaid member communities across multiple states. This strategic partnership addresses one of America’s most pressing public health challenges while focusing resources where they’re needed most.
The Hypertension Crisis Affecting Nearly Half of Americans
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of U.S. adults currently suffer from high blood pressure, with many remaining unaware of their potentially life-threatening condition. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, particularly in communities facing multiple barriers to quality healthcare access.
The collaboration strategically focuses on regions where comprehensive data analysis indicates the greatest opportunity to improve health outcomes. With an emphasis on targeted populations living with hypertension in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Virginia, this initiative aims to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and save lives through improved blood pressure management.
Community Health Centers Deliver Proven Hypertension Results
Impressive Outcomes Despite Complex Patient Populations
Community Health Centers (CHCs) have consistently demonstrated their capacity to deliver measurable hypertension outcomes at scale. In 2024 alone, CHCs provided care for more than 6 million people diagnosed with hypertension nationwide. Despite serving populations facing high clinical and social complexity, an impressive 67 percent of CHCs’ hypertensive patients achieved blood pressure control, showcasing these facilities’ unique effectiveness in managing chronic conditions.
Addressing Multiple Barriers to Blood Pressure Control
“Medicaid members face a range of clinical and social factors that can make it harder to manage hypertension, from access to primary care to challenges with transportation, housing and healthy food,” explained Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Medicaid. “By collaborating with NACHC and community health centers, we can combine data, on-the-ground expertise, and evidence-based tools to better support blood pressure control and help members live longer, healthier lives.”
Innovation and Partnership Model Drives Sustainable Change
Four-Pillar Approach to Hypertension Management
The collaboration reflects both organizations’ deep commitment to reducing high blood pressure through NACHC’s proven innovation and partnership model, which strategically leverages science, education, practice and policy. Through this comprehensive framework, NACHC and Aetna Medicaid will systematically identify care gaps and best practices, provide patient care education and resources, advance evidence-based interventions, and inform development of new clinical policies designed to improve blood pressure control rates over time.
Meeting Patients Where They Are
“Community Health Centers are uniquely positioned to close gaps in hypertension care because they are effective, trusted providers,” emphasized Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC. “Working with Aetna Medicaid, we will scale proven strategies that meet people where they are, strengthen primary care teams, and address the social and environmental factors that contribute to uncontrolled blood pressure.”
America’s Largest Primary Care Safety Net
CHCs represent the largest primary health care system in the United States, currently serving 52 million people, or approximately 1 in 7 Americans. With a dedicated workforce of 326,000 full-time equivalents, CHCs deliver affordable, comprehensive, and effective primary care services to patients across rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide.
These essential healthcare facilities ensure access to integrated primary, dental and behavioral health care services, regardless of patients’ income levels, insurance status or geographic location. This universal access model makes CHCs ideal partners for addressing hypertension disparities in vulnerable populations.
Long-Term Impact on Public Health
This Aetna Medicaid-NACHC collaboration represents a significant investment in preventive care that promises substantial returns through reduced cardiovascular events, improved quality of life, and lower overall healthcare costs. By focusing on hypertension control in underserved communities, this partnership addresses health equity while building sustainable systems for chronic disease management.
