The PROACTIVE Study for Black Elders

Eligibility Criteria

• 1. Self-identify as being part of the Black American diaspora (Black/African American, Afro-Caribbean)
• 2. Age 50-92 years
• 3. Self-report chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) as defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting 6 months or longer that arises as part of a disease or injurious process directly affecting bone(s), joint(s), muscle(s), or related soft tissue(s)
• 4. Self-report a chronic musculoskeletal condition (e.g., osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain) in at least one lower extremity joint (hip, knee, low back, or ankle pain)
• 5. Report chronic musculoskeletal symptoms: aching, stiffness, or swelling in a major lower extremity joint or low back on most days (4-5/7) of the week
• 6. Have (or be eligible for) a healthcare insurance plan in the state of Florida (Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, Aetna, etc.)
• 7. Able to read, write, and understand English at sixth-grade level
• 1. Unwilling to be randomized to either study arm
• 2. Self-reported diagnosis of sickle cell disease or related thalassemias
• 3. History of major neurological event (e.g., stroke) or current neurological disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy)
• 4. Major cardiovascular problem in the past 6 months that would cause shortness of breath and/or chest pain (e.g. myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, or valve replacement, pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis) or uncontrolled Hypertension (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) \> 170 mmHg, Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) \> 90 mmHg) OR Hypotension (SBP \<90 mmHg, DBP \<60 mmHg)
• 5. Currently undergoing curative or palliative chemotherapy or radiation for active cancer
• 6. Severe physical impairment (e.g., a major activity of daily living disability requiring use of wheelchair as primary method of mobility, or unable to dress, bath, use the toilet, or transfer independently)
• 7. Serious mental health disorder requiring hospitalization within past 12 months
• 8. Severe sensory deficit (severe hearing loss or blindness)