GRAAHI continues its work in advocating for the use of combination drug therapy. Currently African Americans may have to take up to 5 drugs to control hypertension. Having a combination pill form available would allow that same individual to take fewer pills, possibility take lower doses due to better control, have fewer side effects and pay less than taking individual doses of medication.

This spring, two forums were held around the use of combination drug therapy. At each forum, representatives attended from key stake holders across the state of Michigan including health plans, legislation, business sector, health care, and pharmaceutical companies. From these forums, ten recommendations were identified to build consensus regarding the use of combination drug therapy and to produce a position paper to promote the recommendation.

GRAAHI along with Dr. Khan Nedd have worked diligently to add a combination hypertension drug to the Michigan Medicaid formulary of acceptable drugs. As a result of this work along with the work of others, hypertensive combination drugs have now been added to the formulary as of June 2005. In addition, due to his passion on this issue as well as others health issues, Dr. Khan Nedd was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee.

The Institute will continue to advocate on all fronts that affect the health of African Americans in the Grand Rapids community. Advocacy efforts will be developed to empower the African Americans living in our community to gain control, become informed and take a stand when it comes to their health and health care.