FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09.26.22
Care Ring earns national recognition for efforts to reduce patients' high blood pressure
Care Ring has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for its commitment to improving blood pressure (BP) control rates, earning a Silver Award as part of the Target: BP initiative.
The Silver award recognizes practices that have demonstrated a commitment to improving blood pressure control through measurement accuracy.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable death in the U.S. There are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with hypertension. That is nearly half of all adults in the country. Unfortunately, less than half of them have their BP under control, making both diagnosis and effective management critical. In the U.S., heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, respectively, and stroke is a leading cause of disability.
“Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for adults in the U.S.,” said Executive Director Tchernavia Montgomery. “High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly.”
Target: BP is a national collaboration between the American Heart Association and American Medical Association aimed at reducing the number of adults in the U.S. who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems and patients to prioritize BP control. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates using evidence-based protocols and recognizes Care Ring’s commitment to improving hypertension control.
“By committing to helping more people in Mecklenburg County control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, Care Ring is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said Howard Haft, M.D., MMM, CPE, FACPE, volunteer expert for the AHA and executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program, in Baltimore. "Care Ring’s participation in the Target: BP initiative shows its dedication to turning clinical guidelines into lifelines for patients and their families.”
How is Care Ring helping patients manage their blood pressure?
68% of our patients have their blood pressure under control (blood pressures less than 140/90).
-- Providers in our Clinic spend extra time with patients ensuring they understand their diagnosis and what it means, as well as how it puts them at extra risk for cardiovascular events. They educate patients about the variety of ways they can reduce their blood pressure, such as with proper diet, exercise, and taking their medication.
-- Patients are assessed and connected with additional resources to address any other barriers they might have, such as access to nutritious food, medications, and at-home blood pressure monitors.
-- Eligible patients who can't afford the Low-Cost Clinic fees are referred for enrollment into our Physicians Reach Out program, where they can receive access to comprehensive, donated care that includes primary care, specialty care, laboratory/diagnostic services and hospital-based care.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Peele, Director of Communications & Events: [email protected]
704-248-3727
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