Target: BP Initiative Recognizes 2,307 Healthcare Organizations for Hypertension Control Efforts
TL;DR
Organizations achieving Target: BP Gold recognition gain competitive advantage by demonstrating superior hypertension control rates and commitment to evidence-based care excellence.
Target: BP uses the AMA MAP framework and evidence-based protocols to systematically improve blood pressure control through organized care team approaches and continuous monitoring.
This initiative improves global health by reducing hypertension-related deaths and healthcare costs while ensuring equitable access to quality care for underserved populations.
Nearly half of US adults have high blood pressure, but only a quarter control it, making this silent killer a critical public health challenge.
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The American Heart Association and American Medical Association have recognized 2,307 healthcare organizations for their efforts in controlling hypertension through the Target: BP initiative, which has helped more than 10.6 million adults with high blood pressure. This recognition comes as nearly half of U.S. adults—122.4 million people—live with hypertension, a leading preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death, yet only a quarter have their blood pressure under control.
Launched in 2015, Target: BP leverages American Heart Association science and the evidence-based AMA MAP™ framework to help care teams organize their approach to providing evidence-based care. The initiative assists healthcare organizations in improving and sustaining blood pressure control through professional education, practice tools, and resources, including support through quality improvement programs. This year's participating organizations span 49 states or U.S. territories and serve more than 38 million patients.
Among the recognized organizations, nearly 60% received Gold or Gold+ award level recognition for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70% or greater. Approximately 37% achieved Silver or Silver+ recognition for adopting evidence-based activities, while the remainder received Participation-level recognition for submitting data for the first time and committing to reducing uncontrolled blood pressure. More than 40% of participating organizations are nonprofit health centers that receive federal funding to reach medically underserved populations.
"Hypertension is called the 'silent killer' for a reason—too often it goes unnoticed until serious damage is done, and it accounts for nearly $50 billion in annual healthcare costs in the U.S.," said Stacey Rosen, M.D., volunteer president of the American Heart Association. Since its launch, more than 4,900 healthcare organizations have joined Target: BP, with approximately 80% continuing their engagement year after year, reflecting a sustained commitment to improving health outcomes associated with heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., emphasized that hypertension control is achievable when physicians, care teams, and patients work together, with Target: BP providing the necessary tools for effective partnership and quality care. The initiative's impact is significant given the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure and its substantial economic and health burdens, making continued efforts in awareness, education, and evidence-based care crucial for public health.
Curated from NewMediaWire
