Preferred Name
Tonka Williams
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Date of Graduation
12-12-2025
Semester of Graduation
Fall
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
School of Nursing
First Advisor
Jeannie Corey
Second Advisor
Andrew Riddle
Abstract
Aortic health conditions, including dissections and aneurysms, present significant risks within Black communities, where limited access to timely information has contributed to delayed diagnoses and late-stage presentations. The literature reviewed indicates that Black Americans are more likely to experience barriers to early screening and genetic counseling. Contributing factors include gaps in preventive education, socioeconomic barriers, and limited culturally tailored health resources that are targeted to the lived experiences and the needs of black individuals.
This evidence-based practice project was designed to expand access to culturally relevant aortic health information through a national information-sharing campaign. The purpose was to increase the access and reach of aortic health information within Black communities. Strategies included enhancing the John Ritter Foundation’s webpage, leveraging social media platforms to disseminate aortic health information, and collaborating with trusted community organizations, like churches, barbershops, beauty salons, and community influencers. The dissemination methods included sharing the campaign video through social media platforms, creating a QR code, and presenting a TED Talk–style presentation featuring survivor stories and expert perspectives.
Two frameworks guided the intervention design. The Health Belief Model was used to explain how perceptions of susceptibility, severity, and benefits of prevention are structured. The second framework, the Science of Persuasion, emphasized the use of authority, social proof, and likability to improve message uptake.
This national campaign provided increased access to aortic health information through social media platforms, including YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, with a total cumulation of 348,151 views, 7,404 likes, 274 shares, and 212 comments across all platforms. There were two main interventions for this project: reviewing the John Ritter Foundation webpage and creating an awareness campaign. The results of the two interventions confirm the findings of the literature review.
In conclusion, this project demonstrated that a culturally responsive and digitally driven approach enhanced access to aortic health information. Sustained implementation and future longitudinal evaluation are warranted to assess the impact of culturally responsive, digitally driven approaches on advancing health equity.
Included in
Cardiology Commons, Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons
