CARE Collaborative Success Stories
Merritt Bates-Thomas and Leah Jacobs at the Green River District Health Department had been providing CARE Collaborative educational encounters in the community for some time. Seeing a growing need to improve health outcomes of those with an elevated blood pressure in their community, they began developing a program that would provide more direct, ongoing education.
Using the CARE Collaborative as their basis, they developed CARE Direct; a program designed to help give participants the appropriate resources to lower and monitor their blood pressure. Patients receive a free automatic blood pressure monitor and 12 monthly patient encounters that can be completed in person or telephonically.
Participant JC57 was the first participant to complete the entire 6 month program of CARE Direct then moved on to completing the 6 month Enhanced Maintenance Program. Below you will find in her words, the impact the CARE Direct program at Green River District Health Department had on her life.
“A little over a year ago, my blood pressure was running in the 140-150 systolic and in the upper 70’s on diastolic.
I had a nurse at the health department taking my blood pressure every day or two, knowing it was high and I am on blood pressure medicine.
After having a biometric screening done, I was referred to the CARE Direct program. I met with Leah Jacobs who explained the importance of monitoring blood pressure and signed a six-month contract to meet with her monthly. I was loaned a digital cuff to use to monitor my blood pressure daily and a log for documentation, and taught how to use the cuff properly. Every month we discussed different topics such as ‘My Plate’ for food portions, exercise, losing weight, how to read nutrition labels, triglycerides, cholesterol, stress and many others, with handouts to keep that I can refer back to from time to time.
After my six months, the blood pressure cuff was mine to keep and I was given the option of moving forward on my own, or signing up for an enhanced maintenance program. I saw result in my numbers, going from 148/76 to an average of 114/67 so I signed on for another six months. While being in the program, I have lost 20 pounds, and feeling better not only physically, but mentally as well, than I have in years.
Even though I have graduated from the CARE Direct program, Leah has given me the key to a better life. I am still on my path to a healthier me, feeling confident that I can reach my goal.”
Participant JC57 submitted lipid profile numbers from her last PCP visit. Participant stated she has attributed these numbers to the CARE Direct Program and all that she had accomplished over the past year. Cholesterol 171; Triglycerides 140; HDL 41; LDL 101; LDL/HDL Ratio 4.11
Enrolled in CARE Direct: January 17, 2019
Graduated CARE Direct: December 19, 2019
Starting Blood Pressure: 147/89
Ending Blood Pressure: 116/75
Participant JHSr49 was a self-referral into the CARE Direct program through attending a community event at a park in September 2019. Green River District Health Department employees were providing blood pressure education through CARE Collaborative on this particular day. During the event, JHSr49 had his blood pressure taken and the reading was shown to be well over 160/100. The participant had his blood pressure take at least 2 more times while at the event and each time the readings were over 160/100. GRDHD employees gave him blood pressure education materials and a CARE Direct program card for him to use to get in contact with them. The following Monday, the participant showed up at the Green River District Health Department Daviess County Clinic wanting to enroll in the program and speak with the lady from the park.
The participant enrolled in the CARE Direct program on October 1, 2019. During his educational sessions with the Health Educator/Program Facilitator, it became apparent that he did not have a primary care provider or that his blood pressure was improving. In December of 2019, the Health Educator/Program Facilitator, insisted that the participant actively seek out a primary care provider and assisted him by offering to give him a few doctor offices’ information. In January 2020, the participant came back for his session and explained that he had listened and now has a primary care provider, on blood pressure medication as well as other medicines. He stated he was finally starting to see a difference in his blood pressure. He said he had never had a doctor before now and thanked the employee for urging him get one. Below in his own words, are how the CARE Direct program has impacted his life.
“I thank God every day for the day in the park when you checked my blood pressure. I never knew it was high and had never been to the doctor. Because of you, I have a doctor and my blood pressure is better. You are angel and a sign from God that I needed to get help.”
In the 6 months this participant has been in the CARE Direct Program, his blood pressure went form 170/103 to 118/82. This participant states at each appointment, how thankful he is to have come across this program. He also asked the employee if he could pray over her for thanks.
Enrolled in CARE Direct: 10/1/2019
Graduated CARE Direct: 3/2/2020
Starting Blood Pressure: 161/100
Ending Blood Pressure: 131/75
