VA North Texas Health Care System nationally recognized for its commitment to improve cardiovascular health

The American Heart Association presents outpatient program achievement awards for proven dedication to ensuring patients have access to best practices that reduce risk of heart disease and stroke

DALLAS – VA North Texas has received three American Heart Association outpatient program achievement awards for the seventh year running, in recognition for its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and blood pressure management. The awards recognize a commitment to following the latest evidence- and science-based care guidelines.

 

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke or heart failure.[1] High cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but with timely diagnosis, research-based treatment and education, these conditions can be managed.

 

“We are proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our focus on high blood pressure, cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes management,” said Jason Cave, Executive Director of VA North Texas Health Care System. “These programs allow us to put the latest science-backed guidelines into practice. Maintaining this high standard of care wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts and dedication of our nursing and provider staff. Their commitment to the VA mission ensures our Veterans receive the very best in cardiovascular care.”

 

The outpatient achievement award programs put the unparalleled expertise of the American Heart Association to work for health care organizations nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Target: BP, Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol., and Target: Type 2 Diabetes programs, VA North Texas was recognized after demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving risk factor management for patients.

 

This year, VA North Texas received these achievement awards:

·         Target: BP™ Gold+ Level recognition jointly presented by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.

 

“Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death for Americans, and addressing Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health,” said Howard Haft, M.D., MMM, CPE, FACPE, member of the American Heart Association's National Quality Oversight Committee. “The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize VA North Texas for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.”

 

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The VA North Texas Health Care System stands as one of the largest and most comprehensive VA health networks in the United States, providing care and support to over 235,000 Veterans across 38 counties in Texas and 2 counties in southern Oklahoma. With more than 25,000 enrolled Women Veterans, the system completed 1.85 million outpatient visits in 2024 and operates 835 beds across its facilities. A dedicated team of approximately 6,400 employees and 750 community volunteers powers its mission, supported by an annual operating budget of $2.6 billion.

Dallas VA Medical Center serves as the federal coordinating center for emergency response and is recognized as one of five VHA Centers of Innovation for Patient Centered Care. It was the first VA medical facility—and only the second hospital in the United States—to implement v-BLOC therapy.

Sam Rayburn Veterans Center in Bonham, named for the longest-serving Speaker of the House, honors Sam Rayburn's legacy, including his pivotal support for the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960.

VA North Texas offers a full spectrum of whole health options, including yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, recreational therapy, and art therapy. The Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program serves approximately 4,000 Veterans annually. The system is led by an award-winning COPD CARE Team and is committed to both physical and mental health services.

 

 

VA North Texas Health Care System remains committed to continuous improvement, healthcare innovation, and honoring the service of America's Veterans with world-class care.

 

Target: BP™ is a national collaboration between the American Heart Association and American Medical Association 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. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates using evidence-based protocols, tools and resources and recognizes organizations that treat patients with hypertension for achieving blood pressure control rates within the populations they serve.

 

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building longer, healthier lives, created the Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ initiative to improve awareness, detection and management of high cholesterol for consumers, patients and health care professionals. 

 

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building longer, healthier lives, created Target: Type 2 Diabetes to raise awareness and understanding of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease among patients, caregivers and health care professionals as well as empower patients and caregivers to better manage risk factors.

 

The Target: Type 2 Diabetes program supports physicians and care teams by offering access to the latest research, tools and resources to provide the most up-to-date cardiovascular and Type 2 diabetes management and treatment. 

SOURCE:  VA North Texas Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs