Providence Health Plan's embracing community care initiative takes aim at cardiovascular health disparities

Providence Health Plan continues to advance health equity across the Pacific Northwest through its ongoing partnership with the American Heart Association. The Embracing Community Care initiative, now in its second year, brings vital cardiovascular health resources directly to underserved communities where health disparities are most pronounced. 

"By enhancing access to health monitoring tools and resources, we're taking concrete steps to address health disparities and empower individuals to take control of their health," said Don Antonucci, president and CEO of Providence Health Plan and volunteer board member of the American Heart Association's Western States division. 

Meeting Communities Where They Are 

The initiative focuses on establishing self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) programs in community organizations and clinics throughout Oregon and Washington. These programs provide blood pressure measurement kits on a loaner basis, complete with clinically validated devices, proper measurement instructions and guidance on improving blood pressure readings. 

Seven sites are currently active across both states, including: 

Oregon 

Washington 

Four additional Washington locations will activate in Spring 2025, including health centers in King County, Kent and Seattle. 

At Bellevue College, the "Student-Championed Self-Measured Blood Pressure" program makes resources available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean and Arabic. The program connects participants with information about local Federally Qualified Health Centers for low-or-no cost healthcare access. 

"At Bellevue College, our goal is to offer students a healthy environment to learn," said Tamara Boynton Howard, program chair of health promotion and education at Bellevue College. "By making blood pressure screenings and resources available, we are helping to build a campus culture of health by meeting students where they are and supporting their health and wellness goals." 

Addressing Critical Health Disparities 

The need for these programs is clear. One-third of Oregonians and nearly half of Washington residents have high blood pressure, with Black and Hispanic individuals facing disproportionately higher risks. 

"The health challenges we're addressing through this expanded initiative are significant and persistent," said Laurel Soot, M.D., FACS, chief medical officer at Providence Health Plan and volunteer board member of the American Heart Association's Oregon and Southwest Washington division. 

Over the next three years, Providence Health Plan and the American Heart Association will introduce SMBP programs in 20 Oregon and Washington community organizations. The initiative directly connects to Providence Health Plan's Health For All objectives—not just treating illness, but actively promoting health equity and wellness in all communities served. 

Expanding Healthy Initiatives 

In addition to blood pressure management, and the American Heart Association are tackling food insecurity through "Stocking Healthy Pantries," an education-based food drive initiative launching this year.