FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09.26.22
Care Ring earns national recognition for efforts aimed at managing type 2 diabetes and CVD risk.
CHARLOTTE, NC — Care Ring has received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Participant Award for implementing quality improvement measures addressing the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease in outpatient settings.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and a major cause of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure for people living with Type 2 diabetes – yet in a recent survey of people age 45 and older with type 2 diabetes conducted by The Harris Poll, only half recognize their risk or have discussed their risk for heart attacks or strokes with their health care providers.
Target: Type 2 Diabetes addresses heart disease and stroke risk factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes as part of the Know Diabetes by Heart™ initiative, by the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. Target: Type 2 Diabetes puts the unparalleled expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines.
“At Care Ring, we care about our patients. That’s why we’ve made a commitment to turn Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines into lifelines,” said Tchernavia Montgomery, Executive Director. “We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our execution of quality care through Target: Type 2 Diabetes. The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”
The Participant award recognizes practices that have completed data submission, including clinical measure entry, and committed to improving quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
Each year, program participants apply for award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality outpatient care for people with Type 2 diabetes. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Target: Type 2 Diabetes participants also empower patients with evidence-based information and tools.
“More than 37 million Americans live with diabetes, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people living with Type 2 diabetes,” said Howard Haft, M.D., MMM, CPE, FACPE, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association and executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program, in Baltimore. “Organizations that participate in programs like this help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can improve patient outcomes. We are pleased to recognize Care Ring for its commitment to quality care.”
How is Care Ring helping patients manage their diabetes?
Nearly 3 out of 4 (74%) Type 2 diabetes patients served by Care Ring have their diabetes under fair control (A1C levels of <9%), and are working towards having A1C levels of <7%.
-- 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. In addition, Care Ring has a volunteer Diabetes Educator on site every Wednesday to talk with patients about how to help manage their condition with better nutrition and exercise. Take-home booklets are available in both English and Spanish.
-- Patients are assessed and connected with additional resources to address any other barriers they might have, such as access to nutritious food, medications, testing strips, and at-home glucose monitors.
--Eligible patients who can't afford the Low-Cost Clinic services 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.
Type 2 diabetes is a largely preventable, serious health condition that affects more than 1 in 10 Americans. LEARN MORE
CONTACT:
Jennifer Peele, Director of Communications & Events: [email protected]
704-248-3727
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