Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
WISEWOMAN in Hawaii - Despite being ranked as one of the healthiest states in the nation, many of the same pressing health trends observed nationally are present in Hawaii, especially among vulnerable populations. Overweight and obesity rates have been increasing over the years, with 35.3% and 25% of adults falling into these categories respectively (BRFSS 2021). Almost a third (29.8%) of Hawaii adults report being diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP) (BRFSS 2021), which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Of those with high blood pressure, 21.5% have not taken any medications to control their condition (BRFSS 2021). Furthermore, 44.1% of Hawaii federally qualified health center patients with hypertension do not have their blood pressure under control (Uniform Data System [UDS] 2021). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Hawaii and for women, accounting for almost 30% (1,765) of the 5,922 total female deaths (Hawaii Department of Health [HDOH], Vital Statistics, 2021). Studies have shown that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) have higher rates of coronary heart disease, angina, history of a heart attack, and heart attack death rates than Caucasian persons (Hawaii Journal of Medicine & Public Health, 2019). The highest overall death rates by race/ethnicity per 100,000 persons in Hawaii are OPI (2,114.7), NH (1,168.9), and Filipino (733.3) The HDSP will reduce the burden of CVD among uninsured and underinsured women aged 35 to 64 in Hawaii by leveraging relationships with BCCCP providers, improving the tracking and monitoring of patients at highest risk for CVD (e.g., clinical/social services, support needs, etc.), implementing team-based care to prevent and reduce CVD risk, and linking community resources to address the social determinants of health (SDOH) that impact NH, PI, and Filipino women statewide. This will be achieved by using data effectively to target activities, bringing diverse stakeholders together, and collaborating with communities and health care systems to identify realistic and appropriate solutions. The HDSP expects to achieve the following outcomes: Increased number of under- and uninsured participants, aged 35 to 64, who receive CVD risk assessment. Increased use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Health Information Technology (HIT) to query, monitor, and track clinical and social services and support needs data for improved identification, management, and treatment of participants at highest risk of CVD, particularly hypertension. Increased use of standardized processes or tools to identify, assess, track, and address social services and support needs of participants. Increased use of metrics from program data to guide quality improvement activities to increase program enrollment, retention, and referrals to additional services. Increased use of EHR, HIT, or program data to identify health care disparities and address health outcomes within the WISEWOMAN population. Increased use of multidisciplinary care teams adhering to evidence-based guidelines to address patient needs. Increased multidisciplinary partnerships with a network of state, regional, and local social services and support. Increased data sharing and utilization through a bidirectional feedback mechanism. Increased referrals to evidence-based and evidence-informed healthy behavior support services (HBSS). Increased participation in and completion of HBSS. Increased referrals to and utilization of social services and support. Improved blood pressure control among WISEWOMAN participants. Reduced disparities in blood pressure control among WISEWOMAN participants. Increased utilization of social services and support among WISEWOMAN participants at highest risk of CVD. Improved cardiovascular health. Reduced disparities in cardiovascular health.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).