Assessing the impact of community-based interventions on hypertension and diabetes management in three Minnesota communities: Findings from the prospective evaluation of US HealthRise programs

Authors: Nancy Fullman, Krycia Cowling, Luisa S Flor, Shelley Wilson, Paurvi Bhatt, Miranda F Bryant, Joseph N Camarda, Danny V Colombara, Jessica Daly, Rose K Gabert, Katie Panhorst Harris, Casey K Johanns, Charlie Mandile, Susan Marshall , Claire R McNellan, Vasudha Mulakaluri, Bryan K Phillips, Marissa B Reitsma, Naomi Sadighi, Tsega Tamene, Blake Thomson, Alexandra Wollum, Emmanuela Gakidou

This study sought to assess the impact of community-based health interventions, as implemented through the US HealthRise program, on hypertension and diabetes among underserved communities in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Rice Counties, Minnesota. HealthRise patient data from June 2016 to October 2018 was assessed and compared with data from comparison patients. For hypertension, HealthRise participation was associated with systolic blood pressure reductions in Rice and higher clinical target achievement in Hennepin. For diabetes, HealthRise was associated with A1c decreases in Ramsey. While this study shows that community-based NCD interventions can help overcome barriers to effective care for hypertension and diabetes among underserved populations, longer term impact monitoring is needed to ensure maximum benefit for individuals with the greatest need.