Georgia Initiative Tackles Heart Disease with Personalized Community Support

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A new initiative in Georgia is taking a novel approach to tackling heart disease by addressing the social determinants of health. Funded by a $1.75 million grant from the Merck Foundation, the program pairs patients with community health workers who guide them through the complex web of healthcare and social services. Early results show dramatic improvements in health outcomes, including 68% better blood pressure and 39% fewer ER visits.

Why it matters

This model challenges the traditional healthcare system by focusing on the root causes of health disparities, not just the symptoms. By addressing basic needs like food, housing, and transportation, the program is demonstrating that stability and human connection can be the foundation for better health outcomes. If successful, this approach could serve as a blueprint for tackling systemic issues in healthcare beyond just heart disease.

The details

The Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI) is leading the initiative, which pairs patients with community health workers who act as personal guides. These workers help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and connect them with social services to address basic needs. Early results show significant improvements, including 68% better blood pressure, 39% fewer ER visits, and 91% of food-insecure individuals gaining access to nutrition support.

• The Merck Foundation grant was awarded in 2026.
• The initiative is currently underway in Georgia.

What’s next

The initiative is currently underway in Georgia, and the organizers are working to scale the model and secure additional funding to expand it to other areas.