The Christ Hospital Health Network Recognized for Efforts to Improve Blood Pressure

CINCINNATI (October 14, 2026) - The Christ Hospital Health Network has earned the Silver+ level recognition from the American Heart Association through Target: BP™, a national initiative that supports healthcare organizations that have implemented evidence-based approaches to both blood pressure measurement and treatment to advance hypertension control.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading preventable risk factors for heart disease, stroke and premature death in the United States. Nearly half of U.S. adults, approximately 122.4 million people, are living with hypertension, yet only about one in four has their blood pressure under control, according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report.

"When heart disease and stroke continue to be the leading causes of death for adults in the U.S., addressing blood pressure management is key for overall better cardiovascular health," said John Szawaluk, MD, cardiologist and Medical Director of the Resistant Hypertension Clinic at The Christ Hospital Health Network. This recognition reflects our team's commitment to delivering evidence-based care that helps patients achieve better health today and lowers their risk for future cardiovascular events."

Effective diagnosis, treatment and long-term management are critical to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving overall health outcomes. Heart disease and stroke remain the nation's No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, respectively, while stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability.

"Every step toward better blood pressure control helps reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke in communities across the country," said Kevin Hwang, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association's Outpatient Quality Improvement Advisory Group. "By participating in Target: BP, The Christ Hospital Health Network is demonstrating a commitment to translating proven clinical practices into meaningful health improvements for patients and families."

Target: BP is a national initiative formed in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. The initiative aims to help health care organizations and care teams, at no cost, improve blood pressure control rates through an evidence-based quality improvement program. Organizations, like The Christ Hospital Health Network are recognized for their commitment to advancing high-quality hypertension care.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 135 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals list in 2026.

About Target: BP^TM
Target: BP™ is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. Target: BP helps health care organizations and care teams, at no cost, improve BP control rates through an evidence-based quality improvement program and recognizes organizations committed to improving BP control.

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