Text Box: Identification of Cardiovascular Risk Among Minority and Underserved Women in Appalachia Principle Investigator: Tamera Pearson, PhD, RN, ACNP Abstract This proposed research study will target several disparate populations, specifically women who are minority or low-income. The focus is on preventive quality cardiovascular screening for disparate women living in Appalachia. Tennessee has one of the highest incidences of cardiovascular risk factors that lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality in women. In order to address these risks and develop future programs designed to reduce risks, first the individual woman must know if she has certain cardiovascular risks. The cardiovascular screening to be completed in this study includes multiple risk factor measure including the following: blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, ankle brachial index, carotid and aortic ultrasound, cholesterol levels, fasting glucose and Framingham risk profile score. This research is proposed with the community partner of Mountain States Health Alliance Health Screening Center Highlighting Women and Heart. This screening center has dedicated staff and the ability to travel if needed to a location of convenience to the disparate populations identified. The results of this study would provide quality prreventino screening to women, who otherwise could not afford or access this type of healthcare. Each woman in the study will be provided with information on cardiovascular disease and individual risk modification lifestyle changes that are identified. If significant abnormalities are noted during the screening, the participant will be referred to a local health center for follow-up. Results of this proposed study would contribute to knowledge required to design future research projects that offer ongoing interventions for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Future translational studies will be aimed at similar disparate populations in the Appalachia area. Early recognition of risk provides opportunity to improve the health of minority and low-income women.