Target: BP Initiative Recognizes Record Number of Healthcare Organizations for Hypertension Control Efforts

The American Heart Association and American Medical Association are recognizing 2,307 healthcare organizations for their efforts in addressing hypertension through the Target: BP initiative, representing a significant increase from the previous year's participation. This recognition comes at a critical time when nearly half of U.S. adults - 122.4 million people - are living with high blood pressure, yet only a quarter have their condition under control, according to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update.

Target: BP is a national initiative launched in 2015 by the two organizations in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. The program leverages American Heart Association science and the evidence-based AMA MAP framework to help care teams organize their approach to providing evidence-based care. The initiative assists healthcare organizations in improving and sustaining blood pressure control through professional education, practice tools, and resources, including support through the associations' quality improvement programs.

This year's participating organizations span 49 states or U.S. territories and serve more than 38 million patients, including nearly 10.6 million people with hypertension. More than 40% of participating organizations are nonprofit health centers that receive federal funding to reach medically underserved populations. Among those recognized, nearly 60% received Gold or Gold+ award level recognition for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70% or greater, while approximately 37% achieved Silver or Silver+ recognition for adopting evidence-based activities.

Hypertension accounts for nearly $50 billion in annual healthcare costs in the U.S. and is often called the 'silent killer' because it frequently goes unnoticed until serious damage occurs. Since the program's launch, more than 4,900 healthcare organizations have joined the nationwide movement to make heart health a priority, with approximately 80% of participating organizations continuing their engagement year after year. The program's sustained participation reflects a continuous commitment to improving blood pressure control and sharing the common goal of improving health outcomes associated with heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.