Launching the Indianapolis Health Equity,Access,outReach & Treatment (iHEART) Collaborative: A Case Study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the creation, deployment, and initial impact of a place-based, multi-level, multi-component initiative designed to prevent cardiovascular health disparities in high-risk neighborhoods in Indianapolis, Indiana. Methods: The Indianapolis Health Equity Access outReach & Treatment (iHEART) Collaborative uses a community-driven, place-based approach and leverages partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and residents to implement health screenings, educational outreach, and support for social determinants of health (SDOH). Results: From September 2022 - September 2024, iHEART conducted 4048 blood pressure screenings; 3135 in community settings. >38% of participants were identified as having Stage 1 hypertension or being at risk. 29% of 1219 individuals with elevated CVD risk were previously undiagnosed. 94.6% of 223 individuals referred for medical care completed follow-up care. Barbershop 2.0 screened 378 patrons, with 126 returning for additional screenings. >50% of these returning participants demonstrated improvements between their initial and follow-up screenings. The Convenient Home Evaluation for Cardiovascular Health and Individual Tracking (CHECK-IT) program enrolled 1105 patients; 63.9% achieved blood pressure control, or their last recorded blood pressure reading below 140/90 mmHg, by the end of the 4-month program. Conclusions: iHEART’s approach highlights the potential benefits of combining health and SDOH interventions, offering a promising model for addressing health inequities.