Trinity Health Livonia Launches Community Hypertension Academy to Address Health Disparities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Von Lozon
Pager: (248) 725-2400
von.lozon@trinity-health.org

LIVONIA, Mich. (July 21, 2026) – Trinity Health Livonia has successfully concluded its Spring 2026 Hypertension Academy, an innovative community-based program designed to improve health outcomes among patients with high blood pressure, with a focused effort on addressing disparities affecting Black and African American populations in Western Wayne County.

The workshop, consisting of three sessions held from May 21 through June 18, brought together patients from across the region for interactive education, peer support, and personalized goal setting. The Hypertension Academy is part of Trinity Health’s broader mission to bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the community by providing culturally responsive education and practical tools to support long-term health improvement.

“The Hypertension Academy reflects our commitment to meeting patients where they are and addressing the root causes of health disparities in the communities we serve,” said Laurie Gustafson, director of Community Health and Well-Being at Trinity Health Livonia. “By combining culturally responsive education with practical, real-life tools, we are empowering individuals to take control of their health to improve outcomes for themselves and their families.”

Although rates of uncontrolled hypertension have improved overall, disparities persist and are increasing among Black and African American patients. The Academy was designed to directly address these inequities by strengthening patient confidence in managing their health, addressing social and structural barriers to care, and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes.

Participants engaged in three structured sessions that covered understanding hypertension and managing daily life with the condition, including medication education, stress management strategies, and lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and physical activity. The program also featured expert-led discussions that included clinical insights from a physician and pharmacist, as well as interactive activities such as fitness demonstrations and nutrition exercises.

Most participants reported only moderate or limited confidence in their ability to make lifestyle changes at the start of the program. By the end, the majority reported feeling extremely confident in their ability to improve their health. Participants also highlighted the value of connecting with others facing similar challenges, hands-on learning, practical tools, and access to healthcare experts.

Trinity Health Livonia plans to expand community-based programming like the Hypertension Academy to further address health disparities and empower patients with the tools they need to lead healthier lives.
 

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About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 25,000 full-time employees, Trinity Health Michigan is composed of nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Livingston, Livonia, Muskegon, Oakland and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 1,459 employed physicians and a medical staff of more than 5,766 providers. With operating revenues of $5.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $357 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 16 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents.

As members of Trinity Health, our services are connected to the national network of one of the largest health systems in the country. That means more access to experts, research, facilities, support, clinical trials and leading technology.