Awards Ceremony to be Held November 3 at SVCHS Administrative Office
October 22, 2025 – Meadowview, VA – Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) for its commitment to improving blood pressure control rates, earning the Gold-level Target: BP™ Award as part of the national Target: BP initiative.
The Gold achievement award recognizes practices in which high blood pressure is controlled in 70% or more of the adult patients affected, highlighting SVCHS’s ongoing dedication to improving cardiovascular health in Southwest Virginia communities.
In addition, SVCHS has also been recognized with the Gold Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Award and as a Participant in the Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ initiative, further demonstrating its commitment to addressing the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
To celebrate these achievements, Paula Wallace, AHA Community Impact Manager for the Blue Ridge Virginia Region, will visit the SVCHS Administrative Office in Meadowview, Va. on Monday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. to formally present these awards. Media representatives and community members are invited to attend.
“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.,” Pharmacy Services Director/Clinical Pharmacist, Dr. Sarah Land, PharmD said. “These recognitions from the American Heart Association and American Medical Association reflect our team’s commitment to helping our patients live longer, healthier lives.”
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and preventable death in the U.S. Nearly half of all U.S. adults — about 122.4 million people — live with hypertension, yet only about a quarter have their blood pressure under control.
Target: BP is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association to help health care organizations and care teams improve blood pressure control rates through evidence-based practices at no cost. The program recognizes organizations like SVCHS that are dedicated to transforming clinical guidelines into healthier outcomes for patients.
“By committing to helping more people in Southwest Virginia control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said Wanpen Vongpatanasin, M.D., volunteer member of the Target: BP Advisory Group and liaison to the American Heart Association Hypertension Council.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems has locations in Saltville, Meadowview, Tazewell, and Bristol. To schedule an appointment, please contact 276-496-4492.