Assessing Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Activities in the Denver, Colorado, Metropolitan Area: Building on an Existing Network to Enhance Emphasis on Equity.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To summarize and present a visual representation of the complex implementation context of cardiovascular disease prevention interventions and identify opportunities to increase an emphasis on equity. <b>Methods.</b> From May to October 2021, we conducted 24 interviews with people knowledgeable about cardiovascular disease prevention activities in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area, guided by the framing of a resource generator network analysis and the levels (clinical, behavioral support, health promotion/access, and regulatory/taxes) of the Prevention Impacts Simulation Model. We selected 4 program examples to demonstrate how subsets of the network carry out cardiovascular disease prevention activities. <b>Results.</b> There were 82 active and 7 inactive programs. We categorized organizations into 10 types. We identified the following health equity topic areas: tracking metrics, making referrals to basic needs services, offering non-health care services, addressing hunger and food insecurity, focusing programs on low-income and minoritized groups, and regulating industry. <b>Conclusions.</b> We recommend increasing the use of systems science methods in public health to reorient efforts toward prevention and equitable allocation of resources and to increase links across levels. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2026;116(S3): S152-S161. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308537).