Goal:

The goal is to get those already diagnosed with high blood pressure to take their medications and make lifestyle changes as prescribed, and to identify those with potentially undiagnosed hypertension. People with potentially undiagnosed hypertension are provided with a BP monitor to self-monitor and share the results with their doctors.

Strategy Description:

From 10/1/18- 3/31/19  various health professionals within the Garrett County Health Department, First Choice Physical Therapy staff and GRMC's Diabetes Educator offered to take their patients blood pressure during routine appointments. Monitors were purchased through a grant from the Chronic Disease Prevention division at the State office. A  blood pressure monitor loaner program was established at all locations to give patients the opportunity to self monitor.  Participants were encouraged to share the results with their doctors. and report the results to the health professional who provided the monitor.  Due to the overwhelming response and the success of the program, health department staff and GRMC's Diabetes Educator are continuing to take blood pressures and provide monitors to those who wish to self monitor.

Level of Change:

Programs

Primary Focus Area:

Chronic Diseases and their common risk factors: lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use

Data Category Tag:

GCHD Health Education and Outreach

Strategic Planning Alignment:

Estimated Implementation Date:

2018-10-01

Estimated Completion Date:

2020-01-01

Estimated Ease of Implementation:

Moderate

Estimated Cost of Implementation:

Moderate

Potential Community Benefit:

High

Health Equity:

Research:

www.acc.org ama-assn.org/go/wire CardioSmart.org/HighBP Data is being collected monthly from 10/1/18-3/31/19. Due to the success of the program and the number of people reached, data continues to be collected.