Food Insecurity, Nutritional Literacy, and Heart Disease: A Novel Interdisciplinary University of Pittsburgh Initiative
Abstract
Heart failure patients with limited food access and food insecurity have elevated risks for symptomatic morbidity, recurrent hospitalization and mortality. We propose a novel, interdisciplinary intervention to: (a) identify UPMC heart failure patients (n=30) with food insecurity and limited social resources, heretofore unrecognized by standard clinical care; and (b) deliver a 6-month, home-based intervention to address food insecurity, social challenges, and nutritional literacy. We combine expertise in heart failure, home-based social work interventions, nutrition in chronic disease, and neighborhood-level strategies for public health. Our safety-net program will improve outcomes in vulnerable individuals and strengthen Pitt’s community-based safety net.
Principal Investigator
Jared Magnani
Co-Principal Investigator
School of Medicine
Daniel Rosen
Co-Principal Investigator
School of Social Work
Select Collaborators
Kim Kelly
Team Member
Heart and Vascular Institute
Michael Mathier
Team Member
Heart and Vascular Institute
Thuy Bui
Team Member
General Internal Medicine
Judith Dodd
Team Member
Nutrition
Deborah Hutcheson
Team Member
Nutrition
Erin Kelly
Team Member
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
Tiffany Gary-Webb
Team Member
School of Public Health
Jodie Bryk
Team Member
General Internal Medicine