Bonita A. Bobo, RN, HHS
Kentucky Department for Public Health
Job Title: Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Manager
Member of KHC for: 5 years
KHC Committee Participation: PMAC Chronic and Acute Care Subcommittee
Some of Bonita’s responsibilities as the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Manager include identifying systems and policy changes to meet heart disease and stroke needs statewide; developing quantitative measures of program effectiveness; participating on various chronic disease committees, work groups; assisting with coordination of activities among the heart disease and stroke prevention program, the statewide stakeholders task force, other chronic disease programs and partners. She also provides training and technical assistance to local health departments and all partners statewide on addressing their heart disease and stroke prevention efforts.
What are you currently working on that you are most excited about? How do you think it will drive improvements to health and healthcare in the community?
A hypertension clinic to promote self-monitoring blood pressure.
It is utilizing a diverse team with a holistic approach. We currently have two very successful self-monitoring blood pressure initiatives occurring in Kentucky. Both initiatives are a collaborative effort with a diverse and comprehensive health care team utilizing a patient engaging blood pressure awareness program. The goals are to increase engagement of community health workers to promote linkages between health systems and community resources for adults with high blood pressure and also to increase engagement of community pharmacists in the provision of medication/self-management for adults with high blood pressure.
What are you most excited about working on in the future around health and healthcare improvement?
The Community Health Worker (CHW) movement in Kentucky.
We are partnering with the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) and participate in the Appalachian Kentucky Health Care Access Network. This network’s efforts are to increase and sustain the number of trained CHWs in Kentucky’s rural counties. MCHD enrolled more than 280 clients in their CHW program, many of whom are undocumented Latinos ineligible for health insurance coverage. As a result, more than 250 clients get their blood pressure measured regularly and receive ongoing education on lifestyle modifications and medication adherence as a result of their enrollment in this program.
Why do you think a multi-stakeholder coalition like the KHC is needed in the community?
I believe in the KHC’s mission to coordinate action-oriented efforts to mobilize the community to improve health and well-being. I feel their commitment to health care transparency, measurement, and transformation through education, networking, and collaboration is an essential element in moving forward together successfully.
What is your favorite quote?
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48)
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to ride motorcycles and just got my motorcycle license last April. My husband and I own a Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic.
