Hypertension Prevention Program for First Responders
Since 2017, the Hypertension Prevention Program for First Responders at Mount Sinai's Fuster Heart Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey Bander, has worked to close one of the most consequential gaps in occupational health: the distance between firefighters and the cardiovascular care they need.
The program partners with New York City firefighter unions to monitor blood pressure remotely, connect participants with elevated readings to care, and — when readings are critically high — refer members directly to the Emergency Department. Over time, it has grown from a pilot into a sophisticated digital health model, integrating AI-assisted care coordination, a proprietary mobile platform, and tailored lifestyle support that addresses the social determinants of health.
The Atria Research and Global Health Institute is proud to support this work — and to help bring it to scale.
Our Connection
Dr. Rony Shimony is a co-founder of this initiative at Mount Sinai, as well as Director of Cardiology at Atria New York and Co-Chair of the International Executive Health Program. A Clinical Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Shimony brings the clinical and institutional relationships that make this program possible.
The involvement from the Atria Research and Global Health Institute (ARGHI) is led by Khadija Rejto, Chair of Global Health at ARGHI, who brings two decades of experience in philanthropy and global health to the work of sustaining and expanding this initiative.
Impact
Firefighters face cardiovascular risk at rates most people never encounter. Hypertension is pervasive in this community — and largely undertreated. That gap is not a medical mystery. It is a delivery problem. The Hypertension Prevention Program addresses it directly: by meeting first responders where they are, equipping them to monitor their own health, and ensuring that elevated readings lead to action.
The results reflect what happens when a proven model is given the resources to grow. Since ARGHI's support helped expand the program, active membership has grown to more than 2,050 first responders. Monthly blood pressure readings have increased by more than 50 percent. Clinical interventions have grown by 71 percent — meaning more people are being reached, and reached in time.
The program has also earned national recognition in the medical and academic community, with presentations at the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, the Inaugural Mount Sinai Retreat, and the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Cardiology Conference.
The Work
Participants receive Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitors and use a proprietary mobile app to sync and track their readings over time. A clinical team at Mount Sinai monitors data remotely, manages alerts, and follows up with members whose readings require attention.
In 2025, the program integrated an AI system that analyzes blood pressure trends, medication data, and lifestyle factors to surface personalized care recommendations for the program's clinical staff. The result is faster decision-making, more individualized care, and greater capacity to reach a growing membership.
A collaboration with the NYU Langone RESTORE Network has further deepened the program's reach — producing a Lifestyle and Social Determinants of Health Survey and resource library that now informs targeted behavioral interventions for participants.
Looking Ahead
The longer-term goal is to ensure coverage for all 25,000 active and retired New York City firefighters. Reaching that number will require sustained investment, continued partnership with first responder unions, and ongoing development of the technology that makes remote, personalized care possible at scale.
Partners and Collaborators
Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital · NYU Langone RESTORE Network · New York City Firefighter Unions