(KLZA)--The University of Nebraska Medical Center is partnering with the Falls City Community Medical Center Family Medicine Clinic and the Southeast District Health Department in a heart disease study.

Dr. Patrik Johansson, associate professor with the  College of Public Health, talked about the partnership during a  Tuesday afternoon press conference at Community Medical Center.

Studies indicate heart disease rates are higher in rural Nebraska than in urban areas. Studies also show that heart disease is preventable.

Dr. Johansson said the study will attempt to answer if an intervention that was successful in inner-city Baltimore in reducing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol can be adapted to rural Nebraska.

Community Medical Center CEO Ryan Larsen said it's exciting to be included in such a study. He said CMC is committed to trying to be a good partner for the program and hope to see results for years to come.

Funding for the study is supported by the Center for Patient, Family, and Community Engagement in Chronic Care Management, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of rural Health, the UNMC Colleges of Nursing and Public Health and Rural Health Education Network.

During the six-month study, a community health worker will work with the RN Care Coordinator at the  Family Medicine Clinic. Master of Public Health student Grant Bruggeman from Auburn, who also works full-time at the Southeast District Health Department, is the project coordinator on the study.