The Richland Hospital and Clinics has officially been recognized for its excellence in cardiovascular care

The Richland Hospital and Clinics has officially been recognized for its excellence in cardiovascular care, receiving two prestigious American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards. The institution earned the Rural Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI-ACS Gold and the Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Silver awards, highlighting its steadfast commitment to following the most current, research-based protocols for treating heart disease.  STEMI is a heart attack caused by a complete and prolonged blockage of a coronary artery – NSTEMI-ACS is  caused by a partial or temporary blockage.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. By adhering to evidence-based treatment guidelines, Richland Hospital aims to improve patient outcomes, support faster recovery, and significantly reduce hospital readmissions. Heather Thome, Cardiac and Stroke coordinator and registered nurse, emphasized that these programs allow clinical teams to put proven science into practice daily, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care during critical cardiac events.

Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee, noted that these awards reflect the hospital’s dedication to its community. By following the Association’s quality improvement protocols, the hospital is advancing a shared vision of lower mortality rates and better health results for patients and their families. This recognition underscores Richland Hospital’s role as a leader in providing high-quality, rural cardiovascular care.