Fort Smith, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Family Medical Center in Fort Smith has been honored with the 2024 Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champion award by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month. This prestigious national recognition highlights the center’s significant achievements in managing hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
A Commitment to Hypertension Management
Dr. Tabasum Imran, the medical director at the UAMS Fort Smith Family Medical Center, expressed pride in the recognition, noting it as a testament to the center’s dedication to enhancing health outcomes across Arkansas. “This recognition means a lot to us. It shows that we are contributing to the health improvement of all of Arkansas,” Imran stated. The award places the Fort Smith center among 32 health organizations nationwide and one of only two in Arkansas to achieve this status.
Over five years ago, UAMS’ Fort Smith center launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at patients aged 18 to 85 to effectively control hypertension. Annually updated, their strategic plan focuses on patient education and involves a multidisciplinary team approach to care. The key components of the plan include:
- Ensuring accurate initial blood pressure measurements.
- Rechecking patients with blood pressure readings over 140/90.
- Educating patients on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
- Conducting follow-up visits with nurses for two-week rechecks.
- Facilitating quarterly provider follow-ups and collaboration with pharmacists and other healthcare providers.
Results and Impact
The result of these concerted efforts is impressive; by the end of 2023, the center had achieved well-controlled blood pressure levels in 81% of its patient population. This rate improved to 85% as the team neared the end of 2024, underscoring their continued commitment to maintaining and enhancing these outcomes.
Expanding Access to Quality Care
In addition to its exemplary hypertension control initiatives, the UAMS Family Medical Center in Fort Smith offers comprehensive primary care services to patients of all ages. The center manages acute medical conditions and provides ongoing treatment for chronic diseases. Among the services offered are cancer screenings, maternity care, pediatrics, and immunizations, ensuring that the center meets a wide range of health care needs.
National Recognition and Future Goals
Since its inception in 2012, the Million Hearts program has recognized 199 champions across 44 states, accounting for the care of approximately 16 million adults. The initiative, co-led by the CDC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, continues to support and recognize the efforts of health practitioners nationwide who significantly contribute to controlling hypertension and reducing the incidence of heart disease and stroke.
Looking forward, the team at UAMS Fort Smith Family Medical Center is committed to continuing its successful strategies in hypertension management and further contributing to the overall health of the community it serves. The ongoing recognition by the Million Hearts program serves as both a milestone and a motivator for the team to strive for even greater achievements in healthcare.
