ODPHP Director

Health equity is a necessary condition in the pursuit of meaningful health outcomes for individuals and society. The health of communities, and the nation, is unattainable without equitable access to the conditions that favor health and the ability to propitiously influence those conditions – what some refer to as civic muscle. Now, more than ever, we are aware of the importance of community-defined needs and community-driven action to improve health and well-being.

The old adage should always apply: Treat the person and not the disease. Preventing, identifying, and treating hypertension should be about much more than just measuring blood pressure and prescribing medicine. Instead, addressing high blood pressure should be an exemplar of comprehensive, person-centered care — promoting greater overall health, well-being, and personal resilience.