Local primary care facility nationally recognized for improving blood pressure efforts

CAMDEN — Rome Health primary care in Camden has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for its commitment to improving blood pressure control rates, earning Silver-level recognition as part of Target: BP.

The Silver award recognizes practices that have demonstrated a commitment to improving blood pressure control through measurement accuracy, according to a statement.

Target: BP is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure.

The initiative aims to help health care organizations and care teams, at no cost, improve blood pressure control rates through an evidence-based quality improvement program and recognizes organizations, like Rome Health — Camden Primary Care, that are committed to improving blood pressure control.

Rome Health officials say high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable death in the U.S. There are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with hypertension — nearly half of all adults in the country. Less than half of them have their blood pressure under control, making both diagnosis and effective management critical.

In the U.S., heart disease and stroke are the number one and number five causes of death, respectively, and stroke is a leading cause of disability.

“Addressing 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 adults in the U.S.,” said Chelsea Sayles, family nurse practitioner at Camden Primary Care. “High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly.”

“By committing to helping more people in Camden control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, Rome Health — Camden Primary Care is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said Yvonne Commodore-mensah, Target: BP advisory group volunteer and associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “Rome Health — Camden Primary Care’s participation in the Target: BP initiative shows its dedication to turning clinical guidelines into lifelines for patients and their families.”

The Camden Health Center, located at 5 Masonic Ave. in Camden, is accepting new patients. To make an appointment with Chelsea Sayles or Patrician Fulham, call 315-245-3192.