MERCY ROCKFORD HEALTH SYSTEM: Mercyhealth Earns National Recognition for Commitment to Improve High Blood Pressure

By Press release submission

Feb 22, 2020

Mercy Rockford Health System issued the following announcement on Feb. 19.

Mercyhealth was recently recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) as a leader in its national efforts to get patient blood pressure rates under control and reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes each year.

As part of the 2019 Target: BP Recognition Program, AHA and AMA awarded Mercyhealth with Gold Status—one of just 542 physician practices and health systems to be recognized for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70 percent or more in their adult patient population with high blood pressure. A total of 1,183 physician practices and health systems nationwide were recognized by the program for their commitment to help patients improve blood pressure control. The recognized organizations represent 29.8 million adult patients, with more than 8 million patients diagnosed with hypertension, across 46 states and territories.

“Our Hypertension Quality Improvement Team at Mercyhealth has provided an opportunity for Mercyhealth to join efforts with the AHA and AMA to improve blood pressure control for our patients,” said Javon R. Bea, President/CEO of Mercyhealth. “Using the AMA’S evidence-based M.A.P. quality improvement program has enhanced the quality of care we strive to provide for our patients with Hypertension. It is an honor and privilege to be a resource to improve patient outcomes and have a passion for making lives better. We are thankful for the collaboration with the AMA and AHA who lead the way in prevention of heart attack and stroke with the implementation of the Target BP Program.”

There are 116 million U.S. adults living with high blood pressure, the nation’s number one risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and less than half have it controlled to target level. Many patients are unaware of the deadly consequences associated with high blood pressure and that it can be managed working in partnership with their physician to create and follow a treatment plan.

Mercyhealth, along with all other practices and health systems being recognized, will be featured in upcoming Target: BP materials. This includes appearing in national journal ads, on TargetBP.org, and acknowledged at AMA and AHA events throughout the year.

Original source can be found here.