Pressure Reduction and Electronic Support Systems (PRESS) Study

To determine if you are eligible for the study, we will:

• Set up a 45-minute screening phone call to review your medical history
• Send a blood pressure cuff to your home
• Using the cuff, ask you to provide a week’s worth of blood pressure measurements to our team to determine if you have high blood pressure

You will be compensated with an electronic gift card for providing these home blood pressure readings, which will help us to determine if you are eligible for the study.

If you are eligible, we will connect you with our medical team at Morehouse School of Medicine to enroll. You will then have a virtual visit with the medical navigator and study doctor to review details of participation and confirm your medical history.

You will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• Active Group: If in this group, you will receive an informational packet about lifestyle factors that may reduce blood pressure, measure your blood pressure each week, and work closely with a medical navigator, pharmacist, and physician to find the best medication regimen for your high blood pressure. All of this is done with you at home, with check-ins and customized medication adjustment conducted more frequently than typical medical practice. We may ask for you to have blood drawn for basic labs somewhere locally to help us assess which medication is best to manage your blood pressure.
• Usual Care Group: In this group, you will receive an informational packet regarding lifestyle factors that may reduce blood pressure, but no additional management of your blood pressure. However, at the end of the six-month study period, everyone in this group will be given the opportunity to join the active group and enroll in the pharmacist-based blood-pressure management process.

Whether in the Active Group or Usual Care Group, you will receive $300 upon completion of the study (at six months). With your permission, we will work with your primary care provider or specialists, informing them that you have enrolled in the study and communicating any changes to your medication regimen, if applicable.

Joining a research study can have risks, which may include:

• Mild and short-lasting arm discomfort when using the blood pressure cuff
• Becoming worried if your blood pressure is not normal
• A higher chance of having low blood pressure because of the medications

To see if you qualify for the PRESS Study, email pressbp@footballplayershealth.harvard.edu. Participation is limited and not all who qualify will immediately undergo management of their blood pressure.

The PRESS Study is currently only recruiting participants who currently reside in one of the following states:

• Georgia
• Texas
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• California
• Massachusetts
• Washington, D.C.

LaToya Clark serves as a study nurse for the Pressure Reduction and Electronic Support Systems (PRESS). She is a skilled registered nurse with 27 years of diverse experience across multiple specialties, including nursing administration, telehealth nursing, community health, phone triage, pediatrics, and surgical nursing. As study nurse, she will continue to apply her extensive expertise in telehealth to enhance patient care and support innovative healthcare solutions. She joined Morehouse Healthcare in 2019, where she worked in the telehealth department until 2020.

TaMiko A. Condoll serves as a health navigator for the Pressure Reduction and Electronic Support Systems (PRESS) initiative. She is a public health professional with a background in health informatics, data analysis, and global health research. Condoll recently completed a public health fellowship at the CDC, where she played a key role on the Global Immunization Division’s demand for immunization team. Her work focused on advancing research into the social and behavioral determinants of immunization uptake. Previously, Condoll supported the expansion of a remote patient-monitoring program at Morehouse Healthcare as lead intern. In this role, she helped implement data-informed care protocols that significantly improved patient engagement and provider participation, strengthening continuity of care and service delivery for an underserved population. Condoll holds a master of science degree in health informatics from Morehouse School of Medicine and a bachelor of science in integrative studies, with concentrations in communications and psychology from Clayton State University

David Daniels, MD, is co-principal investigator and physician for the Pressure Reduction and Electronic Support Systems (PRESS) initiative. He is a board-certified family medicine doctor and assistant professor of family medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine. Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, Daniels moved to Atlanta as a teenager and has made it his home since. He received his bachelor of science in biology from Emory University. At Morehouse School of Medicine, he received his doctor of medicine and completed his family medicine residency training, as well as served as chief resident. Daniels provides comprehensive and preventive medical care, with a focus on global and lifestyle medicine. He is a strong advocate for maintaining a healthy lifestyle to achieve biopsychosocial wellness. On a personal note, Daniels enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, eating, and participating in anything that involves competition — from sports to board games. Also of interest, reality TV shows, as he appeared in season 13 of “American Ninja Warrior.”

James McGary III, PharmD, MS, is a clinical pharmacist, educator, and study pharmacist for the Pressure Reduction and Electronic Support Systems (PRESS) initiative. A native of Greenville, MS, he has a distinguished career in pharmacy leadership and education, bringing a wealth of experience in clinical practice, mentorship, and academic instruction. At WellStar Cobb Hospital, McGary is currently the evening pharmacy supervisor. His contributions extend beyond clinical practice, as he also serves as an adjunct professor at Morehouse School of Medicine. Additionally, McGary is a dedicated preceptor and advisor for the PGY1 and PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) Residency Program. He provides mentorship as a preceptor for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy’s Advanced Ambulatory Care APPE program.

McGary earned his bachelor of science degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry before pursuing a master of science in biological studies, focusing his research on virology. He later obtained his doctor of pharmacy, solidifying his expertise in pharmaceutical care and clinical practice.

Walkitria Smith, MD, is co-principal investigator and physician for the Pressure Reduction and Electronic Support Systems (PRESS) study. With more than 11 years of experience, Smith is a highly respected board-certified family medicine specialist affiliated with Grady Hospital. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Smith is deeply rooted in the Atlanta community, where she currently lives. She holds a BS from Spelman College and an MD from Morehouse School of Medicine.

After graduating from Morehouse School of Medicine Smith completed her residency at Chesterfield Family Practice in Richmond, Virginia, where she served as chief resident, and held a dual teaching appointment at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Her commitment to reducing health disparities through education, primary care, and preventive medicine has made her a prominent physician and community health advocate. Smith’s clinical and research interests focus on women’s health and pediatrics, preventive and lifestyle medicine, emphasizing diet, exercise, and holistic health. She is passionate about empowering patients to manage chronic diseases through health education and support. Additionally, Smith is the current chief digital medical officer for Morehouse School of Medicine, with research interests in telemedicine and remote patient monitoring (RPM). In addition to her clinical practice, she is a distinguished member of the American Board of Family Physicians and the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians. She actively participates in leadership roles with local community organizations. Outside of her professional achievements, Smith is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys cooking and traveling.