Hamakua-Kohala Health named a national champion

HONOKAA — Hypertension — also known as high blood pressure — is a killer. And Hamakua-Kohala Health is hot on its trail.

On July 5, H-KH was named a 2015 Hypertension Control Champion at a ceremony in Honokaa presented by Dr. Betsy Thompson, acting regional health administrator for the Western region of the U.S. Public Health Service. They are one of 18 health care groups nationwide and the only health group in the state of Hawaii to receive it.

The award recognizes organizations that find people with hypertension and stop it before it kills. More people die from hypertension-related diseases than from the next three deadliest diseases combined.

Led by Dr. Laverne Jackson, H-KH used a team to accomplish its goals. First, patients with very high blood pressure were identified. Then medical providers took careful note of blood pressure changes from one visit to another, and monitored whether the patients were taking their medications properly. They also helped patients set self-care goals like getting more exercise or eating healthier food.

Center for Disease Control Director Tom Frieden said, “Every one of these high performers achieved blood pressure control for at least 70 percent of their adult patients with hypertension, and many of our champions serve those in greatest need of health services.”

But sometimes there are other factors that interfere with a patient’s ability to take control of their health, and H-KH staff helped with those issues too. For example, Care Coordinator Cindy Toson noted that many people eat the way they do because they cannot afford a healthier diet and assisted them in getting food stamps, and made referrals to food banks.

Looking at the patient’s whole situation — family support, income and housing — helps staff get a better picture of what the patient needs to live in good health and well-being.