This MINT-TLC group will be asked to attend 12 weekly counseling meetings focused on weight loss (if overweight), limiting sodium, regular physical activity, and eating a low-fat diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables. MINT-TLC will be conducted by trained Lay Health Advisors. Participants will attend weekly group classes targeted at lifestyle changes for the first 12 weeks (intensive phase); followed by three individual MINT sessions conducted monthly for the following three months (maintenance phase). The MINT-TLC sessions aim to help participants make useful therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) and develop skills to maintain these changes long-term.

Participants randomized to this control condition will receive traditional, group health education classes for 12 weeks delivered by experts on various health topics unrelated to hypertension such as cancer, health insurance, and depression.

The MINT-TLC lifestyle intervention lead by lay health advisers will be compared to the health education attention control condition (CC). Twenty churches will participate in the study and each church will be randomly assigned to receive either MINT-TLC or CC. They will be compared on blood pressure reduction, physical activity levels, intake of fruits and vegetables, and weight reduction.