Mission East Dallas earns national recognition for commitment to improve high blood pressure

The American Heart Association and the American Medical Association announce the 2019 list of physician practices and health systems receiving a Target: BP™ Recognition Award for their commitment to prioritize blood pressure control within the communities they serve  

Mission East Dallas is pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) as a leader in the national effort 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 Mission East Dallas 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.

Launched in 2015, Target: BP  is a national initiative between the AHA and AMA aimed at addressing the growing burden of high blood pressure in the U.S. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates through use of the AMA’s evidence-based M.A.P. quality improvement program, and recognizes organizations committed to improving blood pressure control. 

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. 

“Although we have the tools to treat high blood pressure, many patients face a variety of barriers that make it difficult to successfully manage the condition. That’s why the American Heart Association and American Medical Association created the Target: BP initiative—to bring patients and providers together to successfully get blood pressure under control,” said AMA President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. “We applaud the physicians who are already working hard to control their patients’ blood pressure, and we will continue to urge more physician practices, health systems and patients to join this effort to prioritize the rising risk of high blood pressure and improve health outcomes for patients across the nation.”

“Collaboration is key to managing high blood pressure,” said AHA President Robert Harrington, MD, FAHA. “When doctors, clinics, patients and organizations like the American Heart Association and American Medical Association are all working towards the same goal, we have the opportunity for great success. We are pleased to be a part of the success of so many practices – and so many patients – in reducing high blood pressure and improving health.” 

Mission East Dallas, 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.

Mission East Dallas is a Medical offering primary medical, dental and behavioral health/counseling services.  Mission East Dallas serves a number of populations including those with and without health insurance.  The sliding fee scale and payment programs allow health care access to literally anyone in the community. Their comprehensive services also make it a wonderful option for the community to have quality healthcare that looks at multiple health issues and improved health management. 

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition.  Our providers and our patients make a great team when it comes to controlling blood pressure,” said Mission East Dallas CEO, Charles J. Wiltraut. He continued, “We want to take care of individuals and families with their medical, dental and counseling needs.  I hope this helps increase awareness of who we are and what we can do to improve lives.”

Mission East Dallas is devoted to serving the Mesquite community and Greater Dallas Area. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from Mission East’s care, please contact their office below.  

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Media Contacts:

4550 Gus Thomasson Rd, Mesquite, TX 75150

(972) 682-8917

info@missioneastdallas.org

www.missioneastdallas.org