Constellation Quality Health Receives CDC Award to Improve Cardiovascular Disease Disparities in Four States

Raleigh, NC– Constellation Quality Health has been awarded a five-year cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fund The Innovative Cardiovascular Health Program to improve cardiovascular disease (stroke and heart disease) disparities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The contract runs from September 30, 2023, through September 29, 2028. The program will address longstanding cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities and promote health equity by improving social determinants among disparate populations with a 53% and higher prevalence of hypertension. Initiatives include developing a robust Community of Care Hub, standardizing team-based care utilization, and building sustainable community-clinical linkages.

According to the CDC, cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death and disability globally. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for CVD and causes over 10 million deaths worldwide each year. In the United States, southeastern states consistently have higher mortality rates for stroke and heart disease. The Cardiovascular Health Program’s multidisciplinary, multistate approach will address this by preventing cardiovascular- related deaths, leading to a healthier, more informed public, reduced health disparities, and optimized patient care with measured outcomes.

“Addressing social determinants of health and particularly disparities in hypertension have been a longstanding focus of our work as a Quality Improvement Organization for the past 40 years,” said Constellation Quality Health President and CEO Steven Martin. “This funding will provide much needed quality care integration, community collaboration, and resources to close the gaps and improve peoples’ lives.”

About Constellation Quality Health
Constellation Quality Health, formerly known as CCME, is a leading health care quality organization dedicated to bringing clarity and insight to the big picture in health care. Through cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and deep industry expertise, Constellation Quality Health provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to improve system performance while providing patient-centered, cost-effective care. For more information, please visit www.constellationqualityhealth.org.