Target: BP Initiative Recognizes 1,812 Health Care Organizations for Blood Pressure Control Efforts

In a significant development for public health, the American Heart Association and American Medical Association have recognized 1,812 health care organizations through their Target: BP initiative for prioritizing blood pressure control among patients. This marks an increase of 103 organizations compared to 2023, highlighting growing efforts to combat hypertension in the United States.

The recognition is particularly timely, as recent data from the 2024 American Heart Association Statistical Update reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults—122.4 million people—are living with high blood pressure. This condition is a leading preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death, accounting for more than $52 billion in annual health care costs.

Target: BP, launched in 2015, aims to address the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure by providing health care organizations with tools, resources, and recognition for their efforts. The initiative serves more than 34 million patients, including 9 million with hypertension, across 47 states and U.S. territories.

Notably, nearly half of the participating organizations are federally qualified health centers, reflecting a commitment to improving health equity by reaching medically underserved populations. More than half of the recognized organizations achieved Gold or Gold+ award level recognition, demonstrating blood pressure control rates of 70% or higher among their patients.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, American Heart Association volunteer president, emphasized the importance of programs like Target: BP in addressing the 'silent killer' of high blood pressure. The initiative helps health care organizations and care teams improve hypertension control through patient awareness, education on risk factors, and overall well-being improvement.

The impact of Target: BP extends beyond individual health care organizations. Since its launch, more than 4,150 health care organizations have joined the nationwide movement to prioritize heart health, working towards the common goal of improving health outcomes associated with heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

As uncontrolled blood pressure remains a significant health concern, the recognition of these organizations underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts between medical associations, health care providers, and patients in addressing this widespread issue. The continued growth and success of initiatives like Target: BP offer hope for improved cardiovascular health outcomes across the nation.