Contact: Jan Ward Olmstead, MPA, Public Health Policy and Project Advisor, janolmstead@gmail.com
Respect for our Native Elders is a traditional practice.
Here we will share articles about the specific AIHC elder projects, and in each newsletter, an elder will share knowledge, reflections, and wisdom with our communities.
Pulling Together for Wellness: Elder Self-Management Blood Pressure Program
AIHC is offering assistance to Tribes and UIHPs to participate in a culturally appropriate Self-Management Blood Pressure (SMBP) program. The Pulling Together for Wellness framework is used to establish a collaboration between health clinics and elders’ programs to implement a model to accurately measure blood pressure curriculum developed by Dr. Cheryl Farmer from Washington State Department of Health. In partnership with DOH, AIHC is:
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- Identifying interest in a self-management blood pressure program
- identifying Tribes/UIHPs with Community Health Representatives
- providing coordination and staff support as appropriate
- providing materials and training support
- providing onsite technical assistance
Pam James and Jan Ward Olmstead, AIHC Consultants, are in the second year of working with the Nisqually Health Department and Elders’ Program to implement the SMBP program. Many elders, who are participating in the program, have decreased their blood pressure and gained nutrition and exercise information to help them develop healthier lifestyle choices.
The Nisqually Health Department follows elder health by clinical visits, in-home visits, nutrition education, and community health events to ensure quality care and elders receive the benefits of learning to self-monitor their blood pressure for their health and wellness.
An invitation to participate and more detailed information will be sent directly to Tribal/UIHP Health Directors and Clinic Directors in January 2020. In the meantime, if you are interested, please contact Jan Olmstead at janolmstead@gmail.com.
