top of page

TN MMC HBCU Wellness Project's Hypertension Study

July 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 

The TN MMC HBCU Wellness Project and the TN Department of Health via the Chronic Disease and Prevention Unit will examine metrics that continue to impact Hypertension rates in rural counties.

 

The project aims to assess health indicators and food accessibility in selected rural counties of Tennessee. The goals are to identify food deserts, evaluate the availability of healthy food options, and understand the transportation options available to residents. The focus will be on areas with high rates of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. The project will analyze local grocery store metrics, the prevalence of fast-food establishments, and the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

 

The initial focus will be on specific rural counties in Tennessee, particularly near Memphis and Chattanooga. Counties will be selected based on priority populations that are predominantly unemployed, uninsured or underinsured, and from various racial and ethnic backgrounds with low income.

OUR EXPECTED OUTCOMES

 

  • Collect and update food accessibility data

​

  • Create an online map of food accessibility data, available for the duration of the project

​

  • Produce an infographic of survey data

​

  • Generate a short project report by students

​

  • Collect and update food resources within the county and within 5 miles outside county boundaries

​

  • Update data using the Mappler interactive mapping platform, allowing users to view data via an online map with various data visualizations

 

 

OUR ADDITIONAL CAMPUSES

The participating universities are:

  • LeMoyne-Owen College

  • The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

​

Program Impact

The data from this initiative will be published Fall 2026.   

bottom of page