Supporting Future Healthcare Leaders and Creating Better Health Outcomes for All Through COVID-19 Relief and Hypertension Management

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars Program is designed to develop a pipeline of talented, diverse researchers and healthcare professionals by providing minority undergraduate students with academic and career mentorship. In collaboration with Q4HE, AHA is expanding its HBCU Scholars Program and creating a new initiative focused on reaching and empowering Hispanic students. The Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Scholars Program will engage and inspire Hispanic students to pursue careers in medicine and scientific research. The Scholars Programs will help launch the research and healthcare careers of more than 100 diverse students at nearly 30 HBCUs and HSIs over the next two years.

Additionally, Q4HE is helping AHA advance the organization’s ongoing partnerships with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and community clinics nationwide to address gaps in hypertension care and patient outcomes. Hypertension is a precursor to various chronic health conditions and can be exacerbated by COVID-19. By expanding this initiative, the AHA and partners will be able to expand their ability to provide evidence-based resources for patients with hypertension, especially those in at-risk communities across the US. Four of the 10 geographies targeted for this initiative are predominantly Native American communities, which have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

“Hypertension is a public health and health disparity crisis. Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, and almost everyone knows someone affected by this common chronic disease. But we know that high blood pressure is largely treatable and beatable. The AHA is grateful to Quest for Health Equity for supporting our efforts to champion community strategies that will help in identifying and removing barriers to healthcare access and quality.”

– Monique Wilson National Corporate Relations Director, American Heart Association

“The opportunity to live a long, healthy life is a fundamental human right. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought inequity to the forefront of public health. The American Heart Association has long been a champion of health equity, and we are honored to work with Quest Diagnostics to address these core challenges.”

– Nancy Brown Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association

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