PAMF provides support to improve high blood pressure prevention, detection and control

The American Medical Group Association (AMGA) announced today that the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) donated $20,000 to support Measure Up/Pressure Down, a national campaign to improve high blood pressure prevention, detection, and control, spearheaded by the American Medical Group Foundation (AMGF), AMGA's nonprofit education and research arm. PAMF is one of more than 140 medical groups and health systems that have signed on to participate in the campaign. Although there is no cost for participation, PAMF has demonstrated its commitment to meeting this public health challenge with the contribution.

"AMGF greatly appreciates PAMF's support and dedication to curbing the burden of high blood pressure," says Donald W. Fisher, Ph.D., CAE, president and chief executive officer of AMGA and secretary of the AMGF Board. "PAMF continues to be on the leading edge of healthcare transformation and we commend them for signing on as a group participant to meet the challenge of reducing high blood pressure, and for providing financial support to help ensure the campaign's success."

High blood pressure is one of the nation's most significant health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths a day and accounts for an estimated $156 billion in healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity. One of the most effective ways to control high blood pressure is for the patient to work with a coordinated healthcare team to get the condition under control. The central mission of Measure Up/Pressure Down is to mobilize medical groups and organized systems of care to adopt one or more evidence-based care processes that lead to measurable improvements in high blood pressure outcomes. To further the campaign's reach, the changes in clinical practice are being supplemented with patient education tools, strategic partnerships, special events, and a national media and public awareness strategy.

"Our primary care doctors, specialists and health educators are partners with our patients, and preventing and controlling high blood pressure is one part of that relationship," said PAMF Executive Vice President Tony Marzoni, M.D., M.B.A. "Our support of the Measure Up/Pressure Down campaign is an important way to enhance our ongoing efforts to inspire people to take great care of themselves and their blood pressure."

For many years, PAMF has provided free blood pressure screenings to patients and the public at its medical centers and at community health fairs. PAMF offers a variety of resources including health education classes and lectures, as well as shared medical appointments (for PAMF patients) focused on specific health concerns. Additionally, blood pressure testing and preventive care are keystones of PAMF's South Asian health initiative.