Hypertension remains a leading preventable cause of years of life lost in the US. Preventable, because high blood pressure goes unrecognized or undertreated leaving people at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other preventable complications.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health highlights how safety-net providers like community health centers and local health departments in Southern Arizona are teaming up to better recognize and treat hypertension.
The article highlights an innovative partnership led by El Rio Community Health Center in Tucson, alongside other federally qualified health centers and three county health departments including Pima County (who coauthored the publication).
Formed in 2023, the collaboration is showing what’s possible when primary care and public health collaborate using evidence-based practices.
By combining the clinical expertise of FQHCs with the surveillance, communication, and policy functions of local health departments, the partnership has amplified efforts to reduce the burden of hypertension.
They’re sharing best practices among clinicians, expanding community education and awareness, strengthening referrals to primary care, and aligning public health strategies to address the root causes of disease.
Reference:
American Journal of Public Health. (2025). “Building Regional Partnerships Between Community Health Centers and Local Health Departments to Address Hypertension in Southern Arizona.” https://ajph.aphapublications.
org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2025. 308196
