SUMMIT & PORTAGE COUNTY OHIO, Dec. 20, 2022 – According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. Over 27% of Summit and Portage County residents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and an estimated 25% more are unaware that they have high blood pressure.
That’s why the American Heart Association collaborated with AxessPointe Community Health Partners to improve blood pressure control rates through the creation of a Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Loaner Program. Through this collaboration the Association and AxessPointe Community Health Centers worked together to establish a new process which includes resources on blood pressure control and self-measured blood pressure for patients and providers, access to new automated blood pressure equipment, and follow up with care providers both in person and over the phone. The impact of this program will be felt across four AxessPointe locations, including Kent, Portage Path, Arlington and Barberton, directly impacting over 1,000 patients annually.
AxessPointe clinical staff have integrated training and resources provided by The Association to ensure staff are equipped with ongoing training around self-measured blood pressure and measuring blood pressure accurately. In addition, tools have been deployed through Target: BP™ to ensure patients enrolled in the SMBP loaner program have the resources and education needed to confidently measure their blood pressure at home and report back to their health care provider for ongoing management and intervention. Target: BP™ is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association (AMA) in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. Target: BP™ helps health care organizations improve BP control rates through an evidence-based quality improvement program.
The SMBP Loaner Program helps monitor blood pressure readings, manage high blood pressure if needed and follows the patient through their health journey. The SMBP Loaner Program helps to transform the health in our community through access to vital validated blood pressure equipment and education, allowing for a more accurate picture of blood pressure over time. The program also helps create a deepened partnership between provider and patient to achieve better health outcomes around blood pressure control and management.
Additional Resources:
AHA health resources: High Blood Pressure
AHA health resources: Target BP
AHA health resources: Self Measured Blood Pressure (SMPB)
AHA Health resources: Heart Disease & Stroke
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jennifer McNeil: Jennifer.McNeil@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org