FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4-26-24
CONTACT:
John E. Heard, Chief Executive Officer
870-265-9332
Chicot Memorial Medical Center awarded for efforts to improve rural care for coronary artery disease
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease Rural Recognition Bronze award recognizes efforts to address the unique health needs of rural communities
Lake Village, AR 4-26-24 — People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease.[1],[2] Chicot Memorial Medical Center is committed to changing that.
For efforts to optimize acute cardiac care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Chicot Memorial Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Rural Recognition Bronze award for suspected non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines® – CAD are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on NSTE-ACS and/or ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) performance metrics
“We are proud that our team at Chicot Memorial Medical Center is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people in Chicot County who are affected by coronary artery disease, giving them the best chance of survival and the best possible quality of life,” said John Heard, Chief Executive Officer. “As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with characteristics, such as extended distances from receiving hospitals with interventional cardiology services, interfacility transportation and bed availability, as well as limited staffing resources. We’ve made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our patients receive.
“Residents in rural communities deserve high-quality emergency cardiac care. I’m proud of our team for their commitment to heart care excellence and this achievement.”
This award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward NSTE-ACS care excellence. This is demonstrated by composite score compliance to seven guideline-directed care metrics for suspected NSTE-ACS: early electrocardiogram; early cardiac troponin laboratory testing; risk stratification; cardiac testing; anticoagulant administration; timely ED throughput and appropriate follow-up and/or transfer for advanced cardiological care.
“Patients and health care professionals in Chicot County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association, co-author on “Call to Action: Rural Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association” and co-director of the Center for Health Economics and Policy at the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. “ Chicot Memorial Medical Center has furthered this important work to improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”
At Chicot Memorial Medical Center, we believe that you’re not just another name on a chart, but a unique individual with specific healthcare needs. Our team of highly skilled clinical professionals and dedicated volunteers are committed to serving you with the respect, courtesy, and enthusiasm you deserve. We understand that a hospital stay isn’t exactly a vacation, but rest assured, your comfort is our top priority.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
[1] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/american-heart-association-issues-call-to-action-for-addressing-inequities-in-rural-health; https://newsroom.heart.org/news/public-health-americorps-to-address-health-inequity-in-rural-communities.
[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000753#R16