Detroit is a city with a rich history that includes major contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, labor organizing, manufacturing and musical traditions. In recent decades, the city and its residents have faced considerable challenges, including declining population and tax base, relocation of major employers out of the city, and the associated loss of economic resources and community infrastructure. Though Detroit residents have faced all of these challenges with strength, determination and resilience, these have also exerted a toll on their health and well being.

In recent decades, both African American and White residents of Detroit have experienced a greater risk of death at younger ages when compared with national averages. Until recently, relatively little information has been systematically collected on the city's Hispanic community, primarily comprised of Mexican Americans.

The information collected through HEP will help us better understand how social and physical environments affect risk for heart disease. It will also help us learn about social and physical factors that present a greater risk for heart disease, and if those factors affect groups differently. This will help members of the HEP, local community organizations and individual residents develop better programs and activities to improve heart health for Detroit residents.