Access Family Health Services 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.
SMITHVILLE, MS (OCTOBER 7, 2025)
Access Family Health Services has received three 2025 American Heart Association outpatient program achievement gold awards 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 Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure management and care,” said Marilyn Sumerford, Executive Director. “These programs help us to put the latest science-backed guidelines to work improving the lives of our patients.”
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, Access Family Health Services was recognized after demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving risk factor management for patients.
This year, Access Family Health Services received these achievement awards:
The American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold
The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Gold
Target: BP™ Gold+ 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 Access for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.”
[1] Martin S, et al. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024:149(8). https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209.