Trinity Health Shelby Shows Commitment to Eliminating Rural Health Disparities by Joining American Heart Association Initiative
April 30, 2023The Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator promotes consistent, timely evidence-based care to address the unique health needs of rural communities
SHELBY, Mich. (May 1, 2023) – Trinity Health Shelby is participating in a new initiative by the American Heart Association®, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, to eliminate rural health disparities. The Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator provides participating hospitals with no-cost access to Get With The Guidelines® quality programs and access to clinical experts, quality consultants and other resources to address the unique health needs of patients in rural areas.
People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts, have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease, and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. Additionally, rural communities experience unique challenges related to scarcity of resources, such as health care professional staffing and support. Trinity Health Shelby is committed to changing that. Providing evidence-based care is proven to decrease morbidity and mortality by ensuring patients receive appropriate and timely treatment.
“Trinity Health Shelby is proud to be taking on this important work to help ensure the highest quality care for people in Oceana County, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said John Foss, PA-C, MBA, vice president of Operations, Trinity Health Shelby. “Meeting the unique needs of people in rural areas is critical to improving health for all.”
“Patients and health care professionals in Oceana County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association, co-author on “Call to Action: Rural Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association” and co-director of the Center for Health Economics and Policy at the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. “Trinity Health Shelby will help shape this important work and improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”
Trinity Health Shelby is also a DNV Certified Acute Stroke Ready Center, which means it has the infrastructure and capability to care for acute stroke, including administration of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (also known as tissue plasminogen activator "tPA" or aleplase). This certification allows smaller and rural hospitals to demonstrate excellence by complying with standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients, when rapid action and proper medications can save lives and limit the long-term disabling effects of strokes.
About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan is composed of nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac and Shelby. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.