08/20/2026
We’re thrilled to announce a new grant awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation to study how early trauma and obesity together shape cardiovascular health in Black adults 💙
This project builds on our 35-year longitudinal SchooBE cohort here in Detroit, and will be one of the first to combine arterial stiffness measurement with stress-response testing to catch cardiovascular risk before it becomes disease. Our goal: identify who’s most at risk, early enough to intervene.
Health doesn’t start in the doctor’s office — it’s shaped by the neighborhoods, experiences, and stressors we grow up with. This work aims to translate that understanding into real, actionable prevention strategies for Michigan communities. 🩺❤️
Huge thanks to BCBSM and to our incredible team making this possible.