May 6, 2016 / Baltimore Medical System Staff
Center is One of 18 Nationwide Recognized by CDC’s Million Hearts® Initiative for Helping Patients Achieve High Rates of Blood Pressure Control
Baltimore Medical System, one of the largest federally qualified health centers in Maryland, today announced that its Middlesex center has been named a Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champion. Baltimore Medical System is one of 18 healthcare practices, professionals and systems in the country to win the Hypertension Control Challenge for helping their patients achieve blood pressure control rates at or above the Million Hearts target of 70%.
To enter the 2015 Hypertension Control Challenge, Baltimore Medical System shared verifiable blood pressure control data and successful strategies the health center employed in order to achieve blood pressure control rates of 76%. Baltimore Medical System was required to use a variety of approaches, including:
- Making high blood pressure control a priority
- Using evidence-based treatment guidelines and protocols
- Using a team-based approach to increase the frequency of contact with patients
- Implementing strategic use of health information technology
- Staying engaged with patients through free blood pressure checks and the use of a patient navigator or care coordinator
“As we work to improve overall patient health, Baltimore Medical System has put a significant emphasis on trying to eliminate preventable diseases, such as hypertension, that are gateways to even more serious health risks,” said Shirley Sutton, president and CEO of Baltimore Medical System. “Given the prevalence of hypertension in Baltimore, we have a keen eye on reducing blood pressure counts amongst our patient population and we are honored to be one of the few healthcare organizations to win the Hypertension Control Challenge.”
Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Nearly one-third of American adults are living with the disease and millions of Americans are undiagnosed and untreated.
Million Hearts, a national initiative led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, began recognizing hypertension control champions in 2012 to share the champions’ blood pressure control best practices and help other healthcare professionals achieve the same success in communities nationwide.
This year’s champions are a combination of small and large health practices and systems across 14 states, which combined, provide care to nearly 1.5 million adults.
About Baltimore Medical System
Baltimore Medical System is the largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Maryland. Dedicated to improving the health, wellness and quality of life of medically underserved communities in the Baltimore area, Baltimore Medical System provides safe, high quality, accessible and affordable healthcare through its five community health centers, four pharmacies, seven school-based health centers and multiple community outreach programs. As a community-based, independent non-profit 501(c)(3), Baltimore Medical System provides services for primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and behavioral health. For more information, please visit www.bmsi.factorydev.net and follow Baltimore Medical System on Facebook.