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 adult patients affected, highlighting SVCHS’s ongoing dedication to improving cardiovascular health throughout Southwest Virginia communities.
In addition, SVCHS has also been honored with the Gold Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Award and recognized 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, visited the SVCHS Administrative Office in Meadowview, Va. on Monday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. to formally present these awards to the SVCHS team.
“These national recognitions are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our care teams,” said Dr. Sarah Land, PharmD, Pharmacy Services Director/Clinical Pharmacist. “At SVCHS, we take a proactive approach to helping our patients manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes — because prevention and early management are key to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke in our communities.”
“This achievement highlights the strong collaboration across all departments at SVCHS,” added Dr. Kristin Bresowar, MD, Medical Director. “Our providers and care teams are deeply committed to evidence-based care that improves health outcomes and supports the long-term well-being of our patients across Southwest Virginia.”
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.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems has locations in Saltville, Meadowview, Tazewell, and Bristol. To schedule an appointment, please contact 276-496-4492.
