Lowering Blood Pressure and Saving Lives on the West Side Made Simple

Chicago: So, there’s this cool comic by Josh Neufeld that tells a real story about health on the West Side. It shows how churches are teaming up with Rush University Medical Center to tackle high blood pressure, which is a big issue for many Black Chicagoans.

You see, Black residents here have a life expectancy that’s nine years shorter than others, mainly due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. The comic, called “Closing the Gap,” dives into this problem and highlights the work of the Alive Faith Network.

Neufeld’s comic is based on research and interviews with folks involved in this initiative. It’s a creative way to spread the word about a serious health crisis and the community’s efforts to fix it. If you want to check it out, you can read it at your own pace.

This project is all about making a difference and saving lives, and it’s great to see the community coming together like this. Plus, it’s a reminder of how art can be a powerful tool for change. So, if you’re in the area, take a moment to look at this comic and see how you can get involved!