Bridging the Health Gap: Extending Care in Rural America

Revolutionizing Rural Health Care: A New Dawn

Imagine living in a place where the nearest hospital is miles away, and the quality of healthcare you receive is significantly different from what's available in more urbanized areas. This is the reality for many rural Americans, facing a 30% higher risk of stroke, 40% more likelihood of developing heart disease, and a life expectancy three years shorter than their urban counterparts. The American Heart Association (AHA) is on a mission to change this narrative, extending its Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator program through June 2028, to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the best possible care.

Expanding Access, Enhancing Care

Since its inception in 2022, the Accelerator has made strides in bringing quality cardiovascular care to rural communities. By integrating more hospitals into the Get With The Guidelines programs, the initiative has provided evidence-based, in-hospital approaches designed to save lives. With the extension, new rural organizations will have the chance to participate at no cost, covering diseases from coronary artery disease to stroke. Moreover, federally designated Critical Access Hospitals can access all five Get With The Guidelines programs, including those for atrial fibrillation and resuscitation, also at no charge.

But it's not just about offering free programs. It's about fostering a community of care, where rural hospitals can share insights, learn from each other, and continuously improve. The AHA is facilitating this through the American Heart Association Rural Community Network, providing quality consultants, and organizing learning collaboratives. The aim is to not only address the immediate needs but to build a sustainable model of health improvement that can last for generations.

Achievements and the Road Ahead

The numbers speak volumes. To date, 430 rural hospitals have joined the Accelerator, with more than 1,000 engaged in over 1,500 Get With The Guidelines programs nationwide. In 2025 alone, over 650 rural hospitals received recognition awards, a testament to their commitment and the program's effective support. Dr. Eduardo Sanchez of the AHA puts it succinctly, emphasizing the vital role rural hospitals play in providing healthcare to over 60 million people in rural America. This extension is a clear signal of the AHA's dedication to not just improving but revolutionizing rural healthcare, offering more than just resources - it's offering hope.

As we look forward, the program promises even more specialized support, from dedicated consultants ensuring data accuracy to the launch of the Rural Accelerator Quality Improvement Challenge Scholarship. These efforts are set to make a tangible difference in how rural health care is delivered, recognized, and improved.

For anyone interested in learning more about this life-saving initiative or how to get involved, I encourage you to visit heart.org/ruralaccelerator. It's initiatives like these that remind us of the power of community, innovation, and commitment in creating a healthier world for all, regardless of zip code.