Betty Irene Moore Fellow named fellow of the American Heart Association

Nov. 13, 2023

By Megan Hansen

Lenette M. Jones, of the 2021 cohort, is recognized as the inaugural Nancy S. and Michael B. McLelland Professor of Nursing at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

It’s been a busy month for Betty Irene Moore Fellow Lenette M. Jones, who recently celebrated her induction as a fellow in the American Heart Association and her new appointment as the inaugural Nancy S. and Michael B. McLelland Professor of Nursing at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

Jones, a 2021 cohort fellow, was recognized Nov. 11 by the American Heart Association for her scientific and professional contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine. She was named a fellow during the organizations’ Scientific Sessions 2023 conference.

Just a week prior, the University of Michigan School of Nursing held a special event to officially name Jones the inaugural Nancy S. and Michael B. McLelland Professor of Nursing. Jones is highly regarded for her expertise in health equity issues, social determinants of health and community-based participatory research. This endowed professorship serves as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions in these areas and her leadership as a nurse scientist.

"I am truly honored and thrilled to have been recognized as a fellow by the American Heart Association and named an endowed professor in the same remarkable month. This dual acknowledgment reaffirms my commitment to advancing research in health equity and hypertension for underrepresented populations,” Jones said.

Betty Irene Moore Fellows Lenette M. Jones, Kimberly Souffront and Yamnia I. Cortés at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2023.

Jones is a behavioral nurse scientist whose research focuses on the intricate mechanisms that drive self-management interventions, encompassing biological, psychological, social and physical aspects. For her project with the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators, she conducts preliminary trials to evaluate interventions aimed at improving the self-management of blood pressure among African American women.

Her Empowering WHISE (Wellness, Hypertension, Information-Sharing, Self-Management, Education) women project uses a mobile application to deliver information to study participants about behaviors tied to diet, exercise and medication adherence. Jones emphasized that this research marks a crucial advancement toward achieving improved health outcomes for the Black community. Given that African Americans face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and endure adverse effects stemming from health disparities, this work holds significant potential for positive impact.

“My research shows that sharing information with peers plays a pivotal role in the success of self-management. When health information is exchanged among peers, it becomes more pertinent, significant and beneficial for African American women working to manage their hypertension,” Jones said. “I look forward to continuing my research on this important topic and creating meaningful interventions that have lasting impact within the communities I serve.”

Heather M. Young, fellowship national program director, said she is thrilled to see Jones recognized for her innovative and creative work as a nurse scientist and community advocate.

“It has been such a pleasure to see Dr. Jones grow as a nurse leader over the past two years she has been in the fellowship program. I am excited to see her contributions to nursing research recognized by the American Heart Association and her home institution. Her passion and determination are bound to lead to even more remarkable achievements in the future,” Young said.