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Atlanta Hypertension Initiative
Reducing health inequities by building a lasting collaborative and advancing cardiovascular health.
About the Atlanta Hypertension Initiative
Hypertension, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affects almost one-half the U.S. adult population (120 million people). However, hypertension is both preventable and treatable.
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AHI believes that targeted efforts across individuals, communities, and the healthcare system can stop the consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure and better the health of families, colleagues, and neighbors in Atlanta.​​
​AHI is co-led by ARCHI, CDC Foundation, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Metro Atlanta American Heart Association (AHA), with foundational leadership from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our mission is to improve equitable hypertension control across metro Atlanta through a collective impact approach—bringing together leaders from over 90 organizations across sectors to catalyze sustainable, community- and system-level improvements. ​
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Strategic Goals and Priorities
The Atlanta Hypertension Initiative (AHI) combines community leadership, outreach, and clinical partnerships to advance blood pressure control and improve cardiovascular health across metro Atlanta. Our strategies are designed to strengthen local capacity, empower residents with knowledge and tools, and align clinical systems to deliver sustained impact.
Community Capacity-Building
We strengthen the ability of local community and health care organizations to take effective action on hypertension control. Through hands-on training, shared tools, and measurable commitments, AHI helps partners build the skills and systems needed for long-term success.
Key capacity-building activities include:
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Host capacity-building convening
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Secure and track AHI Champion commitments
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Manage HTN communications and coordination
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Provide SMBP technical assistance (cuffs, training)
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Implement CHW training and outreach
Community Outreach and Education
We meet people where they are—online, in neighborhoods, and at community events—to build awareness and motivate action for better HTN control and heart health.
Key activities include:
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Launch local HTN media campaigns
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Develop a local patient education website
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Train community outreach ambassadors
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Share audience-tested HTN messaging toolkits and materials
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Conduct community screenings and surveys
Clinical Support:
We collaborate with health systems and clinics to strengthen quality improvement efforts that lead to better blood pressure control and cardiovascular outcomes.
Key activities include:
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Hosting clinical and QI leader events
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Securing and track health system commitments
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Delivering quarterly webinars and in-person trainings
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Providing 1:1 QI consulting and technical assistance using AMA MAP™ Hypertension, Target: BP, and the Million Hearts® Hypertension Control and Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Packages
Atlanta Hypertension Initiative in Action
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292
Blood pressure
devices distributed.
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5,731
Blood pressure screenings conducted.
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3,412
Metro Atlanta adults reached, 83% of whom are Black.
Unite for Atlanta Heart Health
AHI Champions are organizations that commit to taking practical, measurable actions that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and equip health systems to achieve better cardiovascular health outcomes. Together, AHI Champions demonstrate how local action can drive meaningful, measurable change for heart health.
