Rush Foundation Hospital has received the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the most deadly type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

According to Dr. Charles Davenport, Chief of Cardiology at Rush, The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.

“This award is an important quality indicator and also is a huge compliment to the coordination of care that exists in our health system. The Emergency Department staff at our five critical access hospitals as well as local emergency medical personnel work closely with the Rush Foundation Hospital Emergency Department and the Rush cardiology team to meet these guidelines for timely, appropriate care. The award is a wonderful testament to everyone’s work, but most importantly, it means our teamwork and processes are saving lives,” said Dr. Davenport.

“Rush Foundation Hospital is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients who suffer a heart attack, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that goal through nationally respected clinical guidelines,” said Jason Payne, Vice President of Rush Health Systems and Administrator of Rush Foundation Hospital. We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care, and I am very proud of our team.”

In addition to receiving the Mission: Lifeline Bronze Receiving award, Rush Foundation Hospital has also been recognized as a recipient of Mission: Lifeline’s Bronze-Plus award, which recognizes the hospital has reached an achievement score of 75 percent or greater for treating STEMI transfer patients within 120 minutes for at least one quarter.

“We commend Rush Foundation Hospital for this achievement award, which reflects a significant institutional commitment to the highest quality of care for their heart attack patients,” said James G. Jollis, MD, Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group. “Achieving this award means the hospital has met specific reporting and achievement measures for the treatment of their patients who suffer heart attacks and we applaud them for their commitment to quality and timely care.”

Rush Foundation Hospital’s staff earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients by providing emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed. Eligible hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for at least one consecutive 90 day interval.

Rush Health Systems is headquartered in Meridian, Mississippi with healthcare facilities in East Mississippi and West Alabama. The organization includes Rush Foundation Hospital, Specialty Hospital of Meridian, Medical Foundation, Inc., Rush Medical Group, Laird Hospital, Union, H.C. Watkins Hospital in Quitman, Scott Regional Hospital in Morton, John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital, DeKalb, Choctaw General Hospital in Butler, Alabama.