Med Center Health rural hospitals nationally recognized for their role in providing quality care for severe heart attacks

The American Heart Association awards Mission: Lifeline® Regional STEMI Recognition for proven dedication to ensuring access to best practices life-saving care.

The Medical Center at Albany, The Medical Center at Caverna, The Medical Center at Franklin, and The Medical Center at Scottsville have received the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® Regional Recognition award for their regional collaboration regarding the care for those experiencing the most severe heart attacks. The Mission: Lifeline Regional achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to collaborating with their referring and receiving hospital partners, as well as EMS agencies, to establish a system of evidence-based care guided by the American Heart Association's latest clinical standards.

Acute coronary syndrome remains a major cause of hospitalization in the United States. According to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) accounts for approximately 30% of ACS presentations. STEMI is typically caused by acute, complete occlusion of a coronary artery. Rapid restoration of blood flow through mechanical means and/or clot-dissolving medication is essential to prevent death and permanent heart damage.

"Being recognized by the American Heart Association as part of a Mission: Lifeline® System of Care reflects Med Center Health's commitment to ensuring patients experiencing a severe heart attack receive the best care possible through strong collaboration with our regional partners," said Eric Hagan, Vice President, Rural Hospitals, Med Center Health. "For our communities, this recognition means they can have confidence that their local hospital is connected to a coordinated network dedicated to delivering the highest standard of emergency cardiac care when every second matters. Achieving honors like this is especially meaningful for rural hospitals because it demonstrates that geography does not have to limit access to lifesaving care. I am incredibly grateful to our physicians, nurses, laboratory and other healthcare team members, as well as our local EMS and regional hospital partners, whose dedication, teamwork and commitment make it possible for us to provide the very best care for the patients and communities we are privileged to serve." Mission: Lifeline is the American Heart Association's national initiative to enhance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive medical conditions, including severe heart attacks. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt heart attack interventions - from the initial 911 call and EMS transport through hospital treatment and discharge.