Family Health Care has earned national recognition for its commitment to improving blood pressure control and helping patients achieve better health outcomes. The organization received the Target: BP Gold+ recognition, the highest level awarded through a national initiative of the American Heart Association and American Medical Association.
The recognition honors health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in managing hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, through evidence-based practices and measurable improvements in patient care.
To achieve Gold+ recognition, health care organizations must demonstrate a blood pressure control rate of at least 70% among adult patients diagnosed with hypertension and meet established clinical performance standards.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our providers, medical assistants and entire care teams who work every day to help patients manage their blood pressure and live healthier lives,” said Amy Tompkins, quality director at Family Health Care. “Managing hypertension requires a team approach, ongoing patient education and a commitment to evidence-based care. Earning the highest level of recognition through Target: BP demonstrates the positive impact our teams are making on the health of the communities we serve.”
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable deaths in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 122.4 million American adults have hypertension, representing nearly half of the nation’s adult population. However, only about one-quarter of those individuals have their blood pressure under control.
Target: BP is a national initiative developed by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association to address the widespread prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension. The program provides health care organizations with evidence-based resources, tools and quality improvement strategies to help patients achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
For Family Health Care, the recognition underscores its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and improving health outcomes throughout west central Michigan.
“High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, but its consequences can be life-threatening,” Tompkins said. “By identifying patients at risk, providing education and working collaboratively with patients to manage their blood pressure, we can help prevent serious health complications and improve their overall quality of life.”
Family Health Care encourages adults to have their blood pressure checked regularly and work with their health care providers to develop individualized plans for managing hypertension.
Family Health Care operates outpatient clinics in Lake, Newaygo, Mecosta, Osceola, Missaukee and Wexford counties.
For more information about Family Health Care and its services, visit familyhealthcare.org.
