An Innovative Place-Based, Neighborhood-Level Approach to Address Health Disparities in Medically Underserved Areas of Memphis, TN

Bibliographic Data

ID2073669
AuthorsAlexandria M Boykins (0009-0007-9213-408X), Alexandria Boykins (University of Tennessee Health Science Center, corresponding author), Alana J Schilthuis (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Hannah D Thomas (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Deborah Ogunsanmi (0009-0008-5129-1051, University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Satya Surbhi (0000-0001-9345-1684, University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Susan W Butterworth, Susan Butterworth (0000-0003-0826-218X, University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Susi L Suttle (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Colbie E Andrews, Christopher Andrews (0000-0001-5355-3328, University of Tennessee Health Science Center), James E Bailey (0000-0002-9662-3338, University of Tennessee Health Science Center)
Year2025
Volume13
Issue2
Pages1582-1593
Publication date2025-03-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s40615-025-02357-1
PMID40042796
OpenAlexW4408219162
LanguageEN
References cited45

Little data demonstrates the feasibility of place-based, neighborhood-level care delivered by health coaches in medically underserved neighborhoods to expand access to essential primary care and address health disparities. This concurrent mixed-methods pilot study describes experience with the innovative Neighborhood Health Hub Program in Memphis, TN. Patient characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, blood pressure, and service utilization, were assessed. Key informant interviews and community meetings were conducted in an initial community listening period to guide program development. Patient experience with program services was assessed using semi-structured client interviews. In year 1, 355 year-one clients were outreached, 146 (41.1%) through community events, 149 (42%) walk-ins, 38 (10.7%) door-to-door communication, 34 (9.6%) telephone, and 9 (2.5%) referral. Of the 198 (56.1%) fully screened, mean age was 52.0 (± 15.9) years, 94.5% were African American, 55.8% female, and 32.7% without a primary care provider. Baseline blood pressure was uncontrolled (≥ 140/90) in 52.3%, BMI was ≥ 30 in 50%, and random plasma glucose was high (≥ 130 mg/dl) in 23.4%. The majority (68.3%) participated in individual health coaching. Sixty-eight group sessions had an average of 4 participants (range 1-13) and were focused on chronic illness management (39.7%), exercise (26.5%), or nutrition (25.0%). Major qualitative themes highlighted the importance of social barriers and social support for chronic condition management. Place-based, neighborhood-level care delivered by health coaches in medically underserved neighborhoods is a promising approach for extending primary care, expanding access to essential preventive and primary care, reducing health disparities, and improving patient outcomes

Environmental health · Geography · Health equity · Memphis · Public health · Quality of Life Research · Regional science · Sociology · Global Health Workforce Issues · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Nursing · Public Health Policies and Education · Epidemiology · Gerontology

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