Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program (SHAPP)

Program Overview

Funded by the Georgia Legislature since 1974, the Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program (SHAPP) is an education and direct service program targeted to low-income, uninsured Georgians with diagnosed hypertension. Services include blood pressure screening, referral to physicians, diagnosis, case management, and treatment. Treatment protocols are based on Joint National Commission 7 (JNC7) recommendations. The program also provides counseling on lifestyle modifications including better eating habits, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, weight management, and medication adherence. Of the patients participating in SHAPP, the largest segment includes African-Americans, 30-59 years of age.

Program Objective

Maintain an overall hypertension control rate of greater than 65% for persons participating in SHAPP (Healthy People 2010 Target: 50%).

Program Highlights

The Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program is implemented across 13 local public health districts. At the conclusion of FY 09, more than 6,692 persons with hypertension were enrolled in the program and were provided case management services. Over 67% of the persons enrolled in SHAPP had their blood pressure controlled.

Since its inception, SHAPP has been a resource for hypertension management for many uninsured and underinsured Georgian’s, to help reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.