Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death in the United States. Heart disease is responsible for 1 of every 4 deaths in the country.
Million Hearts® is a national initiative that was launched by the Department of Health and Human Services in September 2011 to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017.
Million Hearts® brings together communities, health systems, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and private-sector partners from across the country to fight heart disease and stroke. This program will focus, coordinate, and enhance cardiovascular disease prevention activities across the public and private sectors in an unprecedented effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017 and demonstrate to the American people that improving the health system can save lives. Million Hearts® will scale-up proven clinical and community strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke across the nation.
One of the initiatives sponsored by Million Hearts® is the Hypertension Control Challenge.
High blood pressure is out of control for too many Americans. The latest data show that nearly 1 in 3 American adults—approximately 70 million—has high blood pressure, and only about half have it safely controlled.
Many practices and systems have succeeded in working with their patients to get blood pressure under control.
Now in its third year, this challenge will recognize even more Hypertension Control Champions. Clinicians, practices, and health systems that provide continuing care and have achieved hypertension control rates greater than 70% are eligible to enter. Over 12 million adults are served by the 41 Hypertension Control Champions recognized to date.
You can spread the word by submitting your nomination or encouraging high-performing small and large practices to enter the 2015 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Challenge. Submission are now open and will continue through October 31, 2015.
Skild is honored to power this important challenge.
