Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs Recognized for Commitment to Excellence in Rural Heart Attack Care

HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. – For its dedication to delivering prompt, evidence-based treatment to individuals suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI), Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs has earned the Bronze level Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease Rural Recognition from the American Heart Association. A STEMI is an especially critical and dangerous form of heart attack.

“We are immensely proud of our team for their daily efforts to enhance outcomes for heart attack patients throughout Cleburne County and neighboring regions,” said Kevin Storey, president of Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs. “Operating in a rural region brings specific difficulties, such as reduced staffing and longer transit times between facilities. We remain dedicated to overcoming these hurdles so they never compromise our standard of care, ensuring our patients receive the best opportunity for survival and healing.”

The American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report indicates that acute coronary syndrome (ACS) leads to over 1.2 million hospitalizations annually across the United States. Approximately 30% of these instances are identified as STEMI, a severe condition resulting from the total obstruction of a coronary artery.

“A person's location should not dictate their survival, and rural areas merit top-tier cardiac medical services,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, co-author of the American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. “Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs is honored for reliably delivering the vital medical therapies and guidance that afford patients their highest odds of recovery.”

This rural recognition from the American Heart Association highlights medical facilities that show a steadfast dedication to administering STEMI care aligned with the latest research-driven standards.

The accolade evaluates a hospital's effectiveness in applying guideline-directed care for STEMI, measured by composite criteria including rapid electrocardiograms, timely transfers, aspirin usage, thrombolytic therapy, and the application of anticoagulants alongside other proven methods.

About Baptist Health

Baptist Health, Arkansas' most comprehensive health care organization, has provided high-quality care rooted in Christian compassion and innovation for over a century. As the state's largest private not-for-profit health system, Baptist Health is here For You. For Life. With more than 300 points of access, our extensive network includes 14 hospitals, over 75 primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care centers, a senior living community, and educational programs, including a college for nursing and allied health studies and a graduate residency program. Supported by approximately 12,000 employees and renowned physicians, we deliver groundbreaking treatments and impactful community outreach programs. Baptist Health is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work and was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces in 2026. To learn more, visit Baptist-Health.org, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Stay connected with us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.