Heart of Nashville press conference

Katina Beard, CEO of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, speaks at the announcement of the Heart of Nashville pilot program. 

 Photo: Morgan Visual Productions

Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced on Thursday that the city would give $1 million for an effort to improve hypertension rates in North Nashville. 

The two-year pilot program, “Heart of Nashville” will focus on the 37208 ZIP code, starting with existing patients of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center. It is led by health equity nonprofit NashvilleHealth and its Nashville Wellness Collaborative, a group of organizations focused on improving health outcomes in 37208. Matthew Walker, Nashville Food Project, Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee and Metro Parks Nashville will play lead roles in the pilot.