NEJM Catal

CHECK-IT initiative boosts blood pressure control in high-risk patients

March 12, 2026

Indianapolis’ 4‑month CHECK-IT program—adapted from the American Heart Association’s “Check. Change. Control.” model—combined free home BP cuffs, measurement training, automated text reminders, and an educational curriculum across six Indiana University (IU) Health clinics serving socially vulnerable neighborhoods. Community health workers offered home visits, social‑needs support, and rapid escalation to social work when needed, while IU Health pharmacists provided virtual medication guidance. More than 60% of participants completing the program reached BP <140/90 mmHg, with average declines of 7 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic.

Clinical takeaway: Pairing home BP monitoring with targeted education and care‑team outreach may improve hypertension control in patients facing structural barriers.

Source:

Cheng E, et al. (2026, March 11). NEJM Catal. The CHECK-IT Program — Controlling Hypertension in Black Communities through In-Person and Virtual Interventions. https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.25.0130