Community First Hawaii’s “Know Your Numbers” (KYN) Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign continues to make significant strides to end high blood pressure on Hawaii Island.
Launched in May, the campaign actively engages individuals across the island with screenings and education, aiming to make blood pressure numbers as familiar as one’s height and weight.
As a local nonprofit, Community First Hawaii is dedicated to realizing a Hawaii Island where residents embrace their kuleana (responsibility) for their own health and the well-being of others. This year’s campaign continues its focus on raising awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and encouraging stronger relationships with primary health care providers.
High blood pressure and hypertension put individuals at risk for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. Affecting about one-third of the adult population, high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” due to its lack of obvious symptoms. Alarmingly, half of those with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition.
Dr. Mililani Trask-Batti, family medicine practitioner, commends the initiative: “Big Island Healthcare applauds Community First’s ‘Know Your Numbers Campaign’ to end high blood pressure on Hawaii Island. We were happy to support this program by recording radio PSAs and volunteering to take blood pressures and answer questions at community events. Such community outreach and education contributes to our efforts to improve the health and well-being of our Kaiaulu.”
The campaign’s impact has been substantial, with Community First Hawaii conducting islandwide community outreach and worksite events. These efforts have resulted in the distribution of 4,000 brochures, 100 posters to various establishments, and over 350 blood pressure screenings through community outreach efforts to date. In addition, educational messaging through social media, local newspapers and radio have added to the reach and impact of this campaign.
Each screening session provides participants with immediate results and educational resources from the American Heart Association to share with their health care providers. This ongoing effort underscores the organization’s commitment to long-term community health improvement.
The campaign’s success has been bolstered by partnerships with numerous local organizations. Sponsors include Hilo Benioff Medical Center, HMSA, HPM Building Supply, KTA Super Stores, National Benefits Administrators, Suisan Company and UHA Health Insurance.
Support has also come from a wide array of partners, including health care providers, health care centers, clinics, government agencies and community organizations. These partnerships have been critical in extending the campaign’s reach across diverse communities on Hawaii Island.
Looking ahead, Community First Hawaii remains committed to continuing these blood pressure screening events as part of its ongoing effort to combat high blood pressure on the island. The organization recognizes that sustained engagement and education are key to creating lasting change in community health outcomes.
As the campaign progresses, Community First Hawaii invites all residents of Hawaii Island to participate in upcoming screening events and take an active role in their health management. By knowing their numbers and understanding the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, individuals can take significant steps toward better health and well-being.
For more information about upcoming events or to get involved with the “Know Your Numbers” campaign, please visit Community First Hawaii’s website www.communityfirsthawaii.org.
Randy Kurohara is executive director of Community First Hawaii, a nonprofit serving as a convener and catalyst for solutions to improve health and access to health care. For more information, please visit our website or Facebook and Instagram pages at @communityfirsthawaii.