One of 46 winners statewide for excellence in blood pressure control

Park City, Utah (May 25, 2017) — The Summit County Health Department and Utah Million Hearts Coalition recognized People’s Health Clinic for Excellence in Blood Pressure Control. With only 46 clinics recognized statewide, this exclusive achievement demonstrates People’s Health Clinic’s dedication to its patients and continual focus on proper blood pressure control.

“This award recognizes the hard work and dedication People’s Health Clinic has made to meet the highest standards of clinical blood pressure care,” said Kelly Robinson, Utah Million Hearts Coalition spokesperson. “More Utah providers, like People’s Health Clinic, are taking blood pressure measurement and control to the net level by using evidence-based strategies to help patients keep blood pressure down — a strong sign that we’re making progress in preventing heart attacks and strokes and prioritizing patient care.”

Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Only half have it under control, putting them at greater risk of developing heart disease or stroke — two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

“The Summit County Health Department is excited that People’s Health Clinic has partnered with us to address high blood pressure in our community,” Nursing Director Carolyn said. “Keeping high blood pressure under control is a joint effort between patient and health care provider with long-term benefits. This is just another example of how our health department works collaborates with various partners such as People’s Health Clinic to improve the health of our residents.”

To be eligible for the award, People’s Health Clinic shared verifiable high blood pressure control data with the Utah Million Hearts Coalition and highlighted successful strategies or best practices they adopted, such as the use of health information technology or team-based care. People’s Health Clinic achieved blood pressure control rates of 70 percent of adult patients by using a variety of innovative approaches, including:

  • Making blood pressure measurements accuracy a priority
  • Continually training staff on correct measurement protocols
  • Using team-based care models to improve patient engagement
  • Implementing consistent, strategic use of electronic health records that include patient reminders and visit summaries
  • Staying engaged with patients by offering support and education tools.

The Utah Million Hearts Coalitions, a local effort of the national Million Hearts initiative, is made up of public and private health care organizations dedicated to preventing heart attacks. Visit http://choosehealth.utah.gov/healthcare/million-hearts.php/php for more information.