SCAHP - South Carolina Alliance of Health Plans

SCAHP recently broadened its educational programs to include cardiovascular disease. South Carolina ranks first in the nation for strokes; a statistic that has not changed since 1992. Diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoking are considered "modifiable" risk factors in the possibility of having a cardiovascular "event" or even death. SCAHP is taking two approaches to address these risk factors:

In April 2005, the Alliance hosted the first Cardiovascular University -Get Smart with a Healthy Heart. The program focuses on educating the community on topics such as "What is Cardiovascular Disease?", "Lifestyle Changes", "Medications" (adherence, costs, dealing with side effects, Medicare changes)" and "Diagnostics and Surgical Interventions". The program concludes with a session entitled "Where do we go from here?" Blood pressure screenings, kidney screenings, blood glucose screenings and BMI measurements are offered.

SCAHP also offered a statewide educational series for mid-level healthcare providers (Certified Diabetes Educators, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants) on Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia Management in the Primary Care Setting. The free educational courses were offered in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston and attendees received continuing education credits. 

 

 

 

Cardiovascular Disease Resources:

 

Cardiovascular Disease Overview - Steadman, PharmD, CDE

Cardiovascular Disease and Other Conditions that Affect the Heart - Brenna DeLaine, MD