ICHS Recognized with American Heart Association Gold Awards
International Community Health Services (ICHS) has been nationally recognized for its efforts in improving patient health outcomes.
Last month, the American Heart Association (AHA) announced the top performing healthcare organizations who have been successfully managing their patients’ high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes — three of the most common and consequential cardiovascular risk factors.
Notably, ICHS received Gold awards for each category.
May Young, International Community Health Services (ICHS) Medical Assistant, performs a finger prick screening for an ICHS patient during their appointment.
That means that 70% or more of ICHS patients with diabetes have the disease under control. Additionally, 70% of patients have their cholesterol within healthy levels, and 70% of patients have their blood pressure within healthy levels.
"These awards represent the countless efforts made every day to improve patient outcomes, close gaps in care, manage chronic conditions, and ensure our patients receive the highest quality of care possible,” says Wendy Kim, ICHS Quality and Accreditation Manager. "Its a team effort at ICHS. Its not only clinicians. Its our nurses helping patients manage their blood pressure, nutritionists supporting diabetes care, pharmacists encouraging medication adherence, and many other staff coordinating follow-up appointments or simply ensuring patients feel supported throughout their healthcare journey."
Members of ICHS' quality improvement team stand with the American Heart Association (AHA) awards. Left to right, Jin Yi Zhou, Quality Improvement Administrator, Erinn Hill, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Wendy Kim, Quality and Accreditation Manager, Jessica Garcila, Quality Improvement Coordinator, and Catherine Flowers, Quality Improvement Coordinator.
The AHA published in the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data, that heart disease is still by far the leading cause of death in the U.S. However, with preventative care, timely diagnosis, research-based treatment and education, these conditions can be managed.
"These organizations are demonstrating how evidence-based care can improve cardiovascular health and patient outcomes,” says Kevin Hwang, M.D., MPH, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Outpatient Quality Improvement Advisory Group.
Learn more online at American Heart Association's website.