We already know the vital role that food plays in health. But how does that affect communities where the most easily accessible foods are processed and plastic-wrapped items in corner stores? For patients at Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in North Nashville, which has historically been a food desert, uncontrolled hypertension is a direct consequence of this issue.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects a significant portion of Nashville’s population that is especially concentrated in North Nashville. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. For many in underserved communities, access to healthy food isn’t the only factor to this condition presenting or worsening — transportation, healthcare, and other socio-economic barriers make this population more at-risk for developing hypertension and more challenging to treat.
In response, the Nashville Wellness Collaborative launched Heart of Nashville, a two-year pilot program designed to improve health outcomes in North Nashville, this February. The large swath of organizations that make up the Collaborative — from policymakers to healthcare professionals to higher ed institutions to community-building nonprofits — has been working ever since to pair clinical care with wellness support services that help North Nashville residents overcome systemic obstacles.
“By uniting our resources and expertise … we’re increasing our capacity to combat systemic health disparities and we’re closer to a future where every Nashville resident, regardless of zip code, has equitable access to quality health care,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell at the launch.
In tandem with medical interventions, the Heart of Nashville initiative recognizes the pivotal role of nutrition in managing hypertension. That’s where The Nashville Food Project comes in. We play a crucial part by providing nutritious, heart-healthy meals to complement medical treatments. Through our commitment to nourishing meals and community well-being, we’re working not only to provide nourishing meals alongside wraparound care, but also to educate individuals on making sustainable, health-conscious food choices.
“With this particular partner, we have rebranded our heart-healthy meals into heart-healthy soul food. We’re trying to show them some easier, low-fat and low-salt versions of the foods they grew up eating, foods that bring them comfort,” said Bianca Morton, Chief Culinary Officer at The Nashville Food Project. We’ve found that these patients are much more receptive to taking a meal after a clinic day when it’s something that they recognize.”
In recent months, meals included shrimp and sausage gumbo, a sweet potato-carrot puree, and a healthier breaded alternative to fried chicken.
Education is also an important component for making sure these lifestyle changes stick. Recently, Matthew Walker hosted a Diabetic Dial Down to provide education for diabetes patients. Bianca presented at the event to a group of 15 women, many of whom are hypertension patients, who signed up to learn how to make healthier choices in their food preparation, including a food demonstration where they got to taste the food. This touchpoint made these patients excited, not hesitant, to take two or three meals home with them as part of their clinical treatment plan.
By integrating these meals into the initiative, participants gain not only access to wholesome food but also the knowledge and skills needed to maintain a heart-healthy diet, ultimately enhancing their overall health outcomes. This holistic approach underscores the transformative power of food as medicine and reinforces the collaborative spirit of the Heart of Nashville initiative in creating a healthier, more vibrant community.
The Heart of Nashville Initiative
At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared dedication to improving health equity. Together, we aim to:
Increase Awareness: Educating residents about hypertension, its risks, and the importance of regular screenings.
Expand Access: Bringing healthcare services directly into communities through mobile clinics and outreach programs.
Empower Patients: Providing resources and support to help individuals manage their hypertension effectively, including lifestyle changes and medication adherence.
Through their concerted efforts, the Heart of Nashville initiative has already begun to show promising results. By empowering individuals with knowledge and access to wraparound care, more patients are on the road to better heart health for themselves and their families.
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, a cornerstone of community healthcare in Nashville for over 50 years, brings its expertise and commitment to serving diverse populations. Through its clinics and outreach programs, Matthew Walker provides accessible healthcare services, including screenings and treatment for hypertension, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need close to home.
NashvilleHealth, the city’s leading public health initiative, partners with local organizations to address health disparities and promote well-being across all neighborhoods. By focusing on preventive care and community engagement, NashvilleHealth works to create a healthier city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
The Nashville Wellness Collaborative includes:
NashvilleHealth
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center
The Nashville Food Project
Belmont Data Collaborative
Meharry Medical College
Sycamore Institute
Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Center for Nonprofit Management
Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee
Juice Analytics
STARS
American Heart Association
Senior Ride Nashville
AgeWell Middle Tennessee
Raphah Institute
Metro Parks Nashville
The Housing Fund
Metro Public Health Department
Second Harvest Food Bank