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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Karen Y. Boone, MN, MPH, RN, CS, Medical Center of Central Georgia, Hospital Box 131, 777 Hemlock Street, Macon, GA 31201, 478-633-1123, boone.karen@mccg.org
Objective: Innovative approaches that provide access to health care, education, and management of chronic diseases can contribute to control of hypertension and diabetes. A Lay Health Program that targeted hypertension and diabetes in an African American community was implemented in a medium-sized Southeastern United States city. Lay Health Advisors provided access to the community that would not have been otherwise accorded to professional helpers. Method: Individuals indigenous to the community assessed, educated, and case managed persons with hypertension and/or diabetes. These non-professional helpers were selected after collaboration with community pastors, local agencies, and neighborhood residents. Lay Health Advisors (LHAs) assessed household health needs, monitored blood pressures and blood glucose levels, provided education and case management to community residents, and made referrals to appropriate primary care providers. One hundred seventy-two persons (117 with hypertension, 13 with diabetes, and 42 with both hypertension and diabetes) were monitored before and after receiving the intervention. Results: It was found that by utilizing LHAs, the following measures were reduced: the mean blood pressure and mean blood glucose levels, the number of persons with abnormal blood pressures and blood glucose levels, the number of visits to urgent care and emergency centers, and the number of hospital admissions.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants shall be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.