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Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

The 18-county Mississippi Delta region covers approximately 11,000 square miles of the northwest part of the state of Mississippi between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. In 2010, its population was 554,754; 49.7% of residents were black, and 46.9% were white (1). Heart disease and stroke are the second and fourth leading causes of death among black men in the region (2). In 2010, the heart disease death rate was 179.1 deaths per 100,000 in the United States (3), 251.1 deaths per 100,000 in Mississippi, and 259.4 deaths per 100,000 in the Mississippi Delta region (2). High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke and disproportionately affects black men (4); the prevalence of high blood pressure is higher among black men than among other racial/ethnic groups in the state (5).

How can we encourage ongoing development, refinement, and evaluation of practices to identify and build an evidence base for best practices? On the basis of a review of the literature and expert input, we worked iteratively to create a framework with 2 interrelated components.

Health coaching can improve lifestyle behaviors known to prevent or manage chronic conditions such as diabetes. However, little is known about the patient experience with telephonic coaching programs in real-world care settings.

Prior assessments of emergency medical services (EMS) stroke capacity found deficiencies in education and training, use of protocols and screening tools, and planning for the transport of patients. A 2001 survey of North Carolina EMS providers found many EMS systems lacked basic stroke services.