Southwestern Health Resources (SWHR) received national awards from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) in recognition of its commitment to following the latest evidence- and science-based care guidelines for at-risk patients.
These awards recognize SWHR for its efforts to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving Type 2 diabetes and blood pressure management.
Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke or heart failure. Type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These conditions can be successfully managed with timely diagnosis, research-based treatment, and education.
For the third year in a row, SWHR earned gold-level recognition by achieving a 70% or greater blood pressure control rate throughout our adult patient population as part of the Target: BP program from the AHA and AMA.
Target: BP seeks to reduce the number of Americans who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems and patients to prioritize hypertension control.
In addition, SWHR earned a gold level award for improving the quality of care in patients with diabetes through the AHA's Target: Type 2 Diabetes program. The data SWHR submitted showed impressive blood sugar level control in patients with diabetes and greater than 70% adherence to cardiovascular clinical measures.
Target: Type 2 Diabetes is part of the AHA's Know Diabetes by Heart effort to raise awareness and understanding of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease among patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. It empowers patients and caregivers to manage risk factors better. The program supports physicians and care teams by offering access to the latest research, tools and resources to provide the most up-to-date
"I am excited that our network continues to be awarded these recognitions," says Jason Fish, MD, SWHR's Chief Medical Officer. "They celebrate the commitment of our providers to delivering outstanding care and the support provided by SWHR to our providers and their patients. These organizations set the bar to recognize excellent clinical care and leadership in disease management."
Howard Haft, MD, MMM, CPE, FACPE is a volunteer science expert for the American Heart Association and executive director of Baltimore's Maryland Primary Care Program. "Addressing Type 2 diabetes and blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for Americans," he says. "The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize Southwestern Health Resources for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes."
About Southwestern Health Resources
Southwestern Health Resources (SWHR) is a patient-centered, clinically integrated network of 31 hospital locations and more than 7,000 physicians and other providers caring for more than 750,000 individuals across 16 counties in North Texas. Blending the strengths of Texas Health Resources and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, SWHR offers an unmatched ability to connect individuals with a full spectrum of nationally preeminent clinical care. SWHR is the parent organization of Care N' Care Insurance Co., a leading regional Medicare Advantage health plan providing care to over 12,000 members.
At SWHR, we believe healthcare can be more integrated, accessible and affordable for all. Our purpose: to build a better way to care, together. Our promise: to simplify and empower care, for good.
