WEAVE NM: Heart Health and Nutrition for Life

WEAVE NM (Wide Engagement for Assessing Vaccine Equity in New Mexico) is a community-based research initiative working to improve health outcomes in underserved populations, with a current focus on hypertension and food justice. The project centers on the lived experiences of Native American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian American residents in Albuquerque's International District and South Valley. With guidance from community voices and ongoing collaboration with local organizations, health providers, and residents, the initiative integrates cultural values, public policy, and social realities into solutions that promote equity and wellness. As part of this work, a clinical trial is being conducted through First Nations Community HealthSource (FNCH) to evaluate a culturally tailored blood pressure intervention called Heart Health and Nutrition for Life (HHNL). The trial includes patients who receive standard hypertension care and blood pressure self-monitoring, with one group also participating in a community health worker-led educational program in their first six months of study enrollment. This curriculum addresses healthy eating, physical activity, medication adherence, stress reduction, and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, all delivered with cultural sensitivity and community insight. After six months, the groups switch roles, allowing all participants to receive the education component. Participants' progress is measured over a 12-month period by tracking changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar (HbA1c), and emotional well-being. The aim is to determine whether this community-supported approach improves outcomes more effectively than standard care alone with blood pressure self-monitoring. This study represents a broader effort to create long-term, community-rooted solutions to chronic health issues by addressing the social and environmental factors that influence well-being. For individuals living in the International District or South Valley, this project offers the opportunity to take part in research that respects cultural identity and prioritizes real-world impact on health. Interested patients and families can contact their provider at FNCH to learn more about participation.

Inclusion Criteria: * Currently a FNCH patient or are willing and able to become a FNCH patient * Current diagnosis of hypertension that was not onset due to pregnancy * Able to speak and read English or Spanish * Cognitively and physically able to independently understand and complete study procedures and provide written informed consent * Self-report at least one systolic blood pressure reading of 130 or greater in the last six months OR show a systolic blood pressure reading of 130 or greater in baseline screening * Live in and receive mail in Albuquerque, New Mexico Exclusion Criteria: * By design, adults unable to consent, individuals not yet adults, and prisoners will not be included in this study. * Patients who self-report pregnancy will be automatically excluded from the study. While the investigators are not systematically screening for pregnancy throughout the study, if an individual self-reports pregnancy during the study, they will be withdrawn from study participation and offered the opportunity to re-join the study once no longer pregnant, if activities are still available, following general study procedures. * Individuals who are not able to complete study procedures due to mental or behavioral health conditions, incarceration, or inability to physically bear an arm cuff will also be excluded from the study.