KCH recognized for commitment to cardiovascular health

SANDPOINT — Kaniksu Community Health recently received two American Heart Association outpatient program achievement awards in recognition of its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving high cholesterol and 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. High cholesterol and 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, Kaniksu Community Health officials said. 

“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,” Kevin Knepper, CEO at Kaniksu Community Health, said. “These programs help us to put the science of 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 hospitals 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 the Target: Type 2 Diabetes programs, Kaniksu Community Health was recognized after demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving risk factor management for patients.

This year, Kaniksu Community Health was presented with the American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol Gold award, the AHA's Target: Type 2 Diabetes Gold award, and the 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, and blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health,” said Howard Haft, M.D., MMM, CPE, FACPE, American Heart Association volunteer; consultant, senior medical advisor and adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and former executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program with the Maryland Department of Health. “The American Heart Association is pleased to Kaniksu Community Health for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.”

Kaniksu Community Health has health centers in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, and Priest River.