Purpose
The Stroke Belt Elimination Initiative (SBEI) has been undertaken
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assist
certain local communities within the stroke belt to further reduce
stroke-related disability and death.
The SBEI focuses on stroke and high blood pressure (hypertension)
at the community-level in seven core "stroke belt" states
(Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Tennessee).
Rationale
The overall burden of stroke in the U.S. continues to be substantial.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause
of long-term disability among adults in the United States.
Over 4.8 million adults had a history of stroke in 2001.
It is estimated that 731,000 to 783,000 people suffered a new
or recurrent stroke in 1996-1998.
Stroke was directly associated with the death of 163,538 people
in 2001.
Reduced stroke mortality accounts for almost 1 of the 6 years
gained in life expectancy from 1970-2000.
Stroke events are estimated to generate over $53.6 billion in
direct and indirect costs in 2004.
SBEI Objectives:
- Increase community awareness and knowledge of hypertension
and stroke.
- Enhance early detection of high blood pressure and stroke
with early referral to care.
- Increase the community's adoption and use of lifestyle behaviors
known to promote prevention and control of hypertension and
stroke.
- Enhance blood pressure control rates among community persons
who are known to have hypertension.
Community-based Interventions:
- Develop and implement a community-wide awareness and education
campaign.
- Develop and implement a simple communications network that
informs individuals of the when-and-where of free blood pressure
screening activities throughout the community.
- Develop and implement a component for health professionals
that emphasizes improvement of blood pressure control rates
for persons with hypertension.
- Develop and implement a component for health systems and health
plans that emphasizes improvement of blood pressure control
rates for persons with hypertension.
Last Updated 08/30/05
