Closing the Disparity Gap in Blood Pressure Control

This initiative addressed disparities in hypertension management by providing home blood pressure (BP) cuffs and structured follow-up to Black patients at University of Michigan Health. Implemented in primary care clinics below the 75th percentile for BP control, the program engaged physicians, pharmacists, and nurses in cuff distribution, validation, and education. As a result, BP control among Black patients increased from 65.1% to 69.3%, surpassing the 67% goal, and 10 additional clinics achieved the 75th percentile benchmark. The project reduced the BP control gap between Black and White patients and established a scalable model for advancing health equity.

Describe the disparities in blood pressure control between Black and White patients at University of Michigan Health and the rationale for selecting BP control as a health equity focus measure.

Explain the intervention approach of providing validated home blood pressure cuffs and structured follow-up to improve hypertension control in primary care clinics.

Evaluate the outcomes of the initiative, including increased BP control rates, reduced disparities, and clinic-level improvements, and identify strategies for sustaining progress and scaling interventions to meet future equity goals.

Author

Amy Vereecke has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare administration with a focus on advancing quality initiatives across primary care and specialties. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan and a Master’s in Public Administration from Wayne State University, concentrating in Nonprofit Management.

She began her career at Henry Ford Health System, coordinating wellness programs and contributing to regional infant mortality reduction efforts, later serving as a project coordinator at Health Alliance Plan. Since 2016, Amy has been part of Michigan Medicine’s Pharmacy Innovations and Partnerships team, where she leads projects integrating clinical pharmacists to improve blood pressure control, while also driving post-acute care initiatives, strengthening transitions of care, and fostering partnerships with external pharmacies.

-Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, Michigan football, crafts, and time with her wife and two young children.