WEST PALM BEACH — In Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, 21 local clinics have been recognized for their participation in the American Heart Association’s Target: BP, Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol and Target: Type 2 Diabetes programs to help patients manage high blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, and managing high blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes can help individuals lower their risk. The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, sets the standards for high-quality, science-based care and access that all patients deserve.

“In our tri-county area, one in three people is estimated to have high blood pressure,” says Fontaine Timmer, DNP, volunteer board president of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. “High cholesterol is a main risk factor for heart disease, and someone with diabetes is twice as likely to die from heart disease than someone without it. Everyone should have access to high-quality medical care, and when it comes to managing patient conditions and helping prevent chronic disease, these clinics are making huge strides.”

This year marks Florida Community Health Centers Inc.’s seventh year of focusing on quality improvement with support of the Association by participating in each of the three programs.

“We’ve seen incredible progress among our patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes since implementing these programs,” says Dr. Wilhelmina Lewis, president and CEO of Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. “Year after year we see that this collaboration is impacting lives, and I’m proud of the meaningful work our teams are doing to give outstanding care to patients.”

Each year, the American Heart Association recognizes clinics across the country for consistently following evidence-based guidelines to help patients manage high blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. 21 clinics were recognized this year in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties for participating in one or more of these programs and achieving Participant, Silver, Gold or Gold Plus status.

The following are included in the 21 clinics recognized:
• C.L. Brumback Primary Clinics, 39200 Hooker Hwy Suite 101, Belle Glade;
• C.L. Brumback Primary Clinics - Mobile Health - Call 561-642-1000 for the mobile clinic schedule of locations and days and time;
• Florida Community Health Centers, 941 SE First St., Belle Glade;
• Florida Community Health Centers, 315 W C Owen Ave, Clewiston;
• Florida Community Health Centers, 15858 S.W. Warfield Blvd., Indiantown;

• Florida Community Health Centers at Lakeshore Medical, 1100 N. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee;
• Florida Community Health Centers, 1021 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven.

Clinicians looking to learn more about these programs can contact Sheree.Wolliston@Heart.org.