AdventHealth Gordon nationally recognized for its role in providing quality care for severe heart attacks in Northwest Georgia

AdventHealth Gordon has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Regional Recognition award for its 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 a commitment to work with their referring and receiving hospital partners, as well as EMS, to establish a system of care based on the most up-to-date research-based guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association. 

Each year, more than 1 million cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) require hospitalization in the U.S., and about 30% of ACS cases are classified as ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), caused by a complete blockage in 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.  

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.  

Delivering optimal care for heart attack patients takes coordination across the entire care continuum, made up of individual hospitals, EMS agencies and the broader health care system.

“The Mission: Lifeline Regional award recognizes excellence in STEMI systems of care,” said Abhinav Goyal, M.D., MHS, FACC, FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association’s Coronary Artery Disease System of Care Advisory Group. “Through care coordination, awarded regions have demonstrated their commitment to high quality and efficient STEMI patient care.” 

“This recognition from the American Heart Association is a testament to the power of evidence-based practice and our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, life-saving care,” said Justin Birmele, CEO of AdventHealth Gordon. “We are proud of our EMS team for their efforts to provide timely care that truly makes a life and death difference for patients in Calhoun and Gordon County.”