Michigan Glaucoma Awareness Outreach: Community education for a high risk population Sarah Hinkley, O.D. Michigan Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People Committee Chair American Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People State Consultant Assistant Professor, Michigan College of Optometry Michigan Glaucoma Awareness Outreach: Community education for a high risk population Sarah Hinkley, O.D. Michigan Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People Committee Chair American Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People State Consultant Assistant Professor, Michigan College of Optometry Background: The goal of this Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 grant-funded program was to increase public awareness about the effects of glaucoma on sight in the higher-risk African American population. Methods: Through collaborative partnership with a community organization in the target city, glaucoma education presentations were delivered at predominately African American churches. Knowledge about glaucoma was tested prior to and following the presentations. Results: Following the presentations, participants demonstrated a nearly 20% increase in overall glaucoma knowledge. Conclusion: This grant program be used as a model for similar projects with community partners on any subject area. Abstract Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 is an American Optometric Association public health program developed to address the eye and visual health goals of the Healthy People 2010 program initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Michigan Optometric Association received a $4300 state grant through the generosity of VSP to meet Healthy People 2010 objective 28-6: To reduce visual impairment due to glaucoma. Introduction Budget ItemUnits Cost per unit Total Cost Office Supplies/Expenses$40.00 Printing and duplication $80.00 Postage and shipping$30.00 LCD Projector/screen (Epson Powerlite)$ Gift card raffle prizes20 20 $ Stipend for project liaison $ Total Cost $ No “in kind” services Budget ItemUnits Cost per unit Total Cost Office Supplies/Expenses$40.00 Printing and duplication $80.00 Postage and shipping$30.00 LCD Projector/screen (Epson Powerlite)$ Gift card raffle prizes20 20 $ Stipend for project liaison $ Total Cost $ No “in kind” services A 30 minute PowerPoint presentation was developed and delivered to the target population at various locations in Grand Rapids, MI, coordinated by a cooperative effort with the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Volunteer Michigan Optometric Association optometrists delivered the presentations. The topics emphasized included the role of comprehensive eye examinations in the early detection of glaucoma, the risk factors for glaucoma including family history and ethnicity, and the importance of early treatment in order to preserve vision. Presentations were advertised with help from the GRAAHI and its project liaison in the form of personal contacts, public announcements at churches and organizations, and posters/flyers at common gathering places. The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) “EyeQ Test” was administered before (pre-test) and after (post- test) the presentation to attendees as a measure of the effectiveness of the presentation. Attendees who turned in their tests received a copy of the answer sheet and were eligible for a raffle drawing completed at the presentation conclusion for gift cards. The number of presentation attendees were recorded and quiz answers analyzed for educational improvement individually and as a group. Four presentations were delivered with 74 total participants. The results of the presentations demonstrated a nearly 20% increase in overall knowledge gained on glaucoma. Results Methods Press Release July 09, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Please announce the following not-for-profit event: The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute and the Michigan Optometric Association are holding a series of presentations on the topic of Glaucoma and its effect on the community during the months of July and August Five area churches in Grand Rapids are participating in these educational events. The glaucoma presentations will assist GRAAHI in supporting its mission, “to promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community through advocacy, education and research to achieve positive health outcomes.” The glaucoma presentations are a partnership of GRAAHI and the Michigan Optometric Association, made possible through a grant from Vision Service Plan and the American Optometric Association as part of Healthy Eyes Healthy People Participating Churches: True Light Baptist Church – July 09, 2008 New Hope Baptist Church – August 25, 2008 Renaissance - July 23, 2008 Bethel Abundant Life Church- TBD Messiah Missionary Baptist Church – July 27, 2008 For further information please contact our office at Sincerely, Dr. Khan Ned, MD, Chair GRAAHI Board of Directors Press Release July 09, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Please announce the following not-for-profit event: The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute and the Michigan Optometric Association are holding a series of presentations on the topic of Glaucoma and its effect on the community during the months of July and August Five area churches in Grand Rapids are participating in these educational events. The glaucoma presentations will assist GRAAHI in supporting its mission, “to promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community through advocacy, education and research to achieve positive health outcomes.” The glaucoma presentations are a partnership of GRAAHI and the Michigan Optometric Association, made possible through a grant from Vision Service Plan and the American Optometric Association as part of Healthy Eyes Healthy People Participating Churches: True Light Baptist Church – July 09, 2008 New Hope Baptist Church – August 25, 2008 Renaissance - July 23, 2008 Bethel Abundant Life Church- TBD Messiah Missionary Baptist Church – July 27, 2008 For further information please contact our office at Sincerely, Dr. Khan Ned, MD, Chair GRAAHI Board of Directors American Optometric Association [Internet}. C [cited 2009 Oct 08]. Healthy Eyes Healthy People. Available from: National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services [Internet]. [cited 2009 Oct 08]. About Healthy Vision Available from: Attendees at Church Presentation Post-Event Discussion and Questions Purchased audio/visual equipment worked well and the presentations were warmly-received. Although not all presentations were well attended, the questions were excellent and the audience seemed engaged. The GRAAHI community partnership was mutually beneficial. The grant was renewed for the current year and includes an increased number of presentations with an expanded area of geographical focus. Now that the equipment has been purchased, funding can be exclusively directed at increasing the number of presentations and their attendance. The success of this program can be used as a model for similar projects with community partners on any subject area. Advice for implementing such a program includes partnering with a reputable and motivated organization, emphasizing the public relations aspect of program promotion and offering a “reward” for attendance such as gift cards, snacks and other prizes. Discussion References Grant programs, such as the American Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 grants, are a great way to implement important public health community education programs. Starting such a program requires a strong community partnership, as well as planning and implementation efforts. The Michigan Glaucoma Awareness Outreach is one example of how a small project can make a large impact on a high-risk community. Conclusion Brought to you by the Michigan Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 Committee Sarah Hinkley, OD, Chair And the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Kevin Rose, Project Coordinator Michigan Glaucoma Awareness Outreach Title Presentation Slide