MODELS FOR PRACTICE
FOCUS
AREA: HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
Program Name:
Location:
Healthy People 2010 Objective: 12-1, 12-11
Web Address: http://www.dhss.state.mo.us
The Oregon County Heart
Health Coalition began in May 2001 and primarily addresses heart disease,
diet/meal planning, and fitness and health. The program is a collaborative
effort between the BB Road Fire Department, Oregon County Health Department,
senior citizens, and local churches. The coalition’s goal is to provide the
community with education, equipment, literature, videos, smoking cessation
classes, and water aerobics classes. Services are delivered through individual
coalition members.
Blueprint: The Oregon County Heart
Health Coalition serves all age groups, with a primary emphasis on senior
citizens. The Oregon County Health Department assisted in the initiation of the
program by providing start-up money and staff support. Currently, the program
staff includes three registered nurses (RNs), one licensed practical nurse, one
health educator, five paid staff, one donated staff person, and one retired RN
who provides exercise programs on a volunteer basis.
Making
a Difference: Historically, the Health Department provides health education to the
community. The coalition anticipates that other agencies will initiate the
other aspects of the program, and outside funding will not be needed. The
program will measure outcomes based on attendance of programs initially and, in
the long run, will reevaluate the health statistics.
Beginnings: The
program was initiated in
Challenges and Solutions: This program is still in
its infancy. Major challenges have not been encountered because the coalition
is made up of individuals who are concerned about the health of their county.
As the program matures, issues of funding may surface.
Sheila
Russell
4th
Phone:
(417) 778-7450