The Gold Standard in Cardiovascular Accreditation
The HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence is the highest recognition a hospital or health system can receive from the ACC. This prestigious designation honors institutions that go above and beyond, embedding evidence based practice, elevating patient outcomes, and driving sustainable, system wide quality improvement. By achieving the HeartCARE Center designation, your facility joins an elite group of centers that demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional excellence.
Are You Eligible?
If your facility has already earned at least two ACC accreditations, you are well positioned to attain the HeartCARE Center designation. This annual program builds on your existing accomplishments, combining accreditation with additional performance benchmarks designed to strengthen care delivery, improve patient outcomes and demonstrate your sustained commitment to excellence.
National Recognition and Prestige
HeartCARE Center recipients are featured in the ACC's distinguished U.S. News and World Report "Best Hospitals" edition, recognizing leaders in cardiovascular excellence on a national stage.
A National Network of HeartCARE Leaders
Today, we proudly recognize over 100 facilities across the country that have earned HeartCARE Center Recognition. These organizations represent a growing community of leaders committed to delivering comprehensive, coordinated and high-quality cardiovascular care. Explore the Accreditation Map to discover recognized facilities near you.
Recognition for International Facilities
If your facility is located outside the United States, you may qualify for the ACC's International Centers of Excellence designation in place of the HeartCARE Center award. ACC Accreditation can help you achieve this respected recognition and highlight your dedication to exceptional patient care.
Elevate Your Program. Earn National Distinction
Take the next step toward earning the HeartCARE Center designation and demonstrate your leadership in delivering exceptional cardiovascular care.
At Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital, our cardiac care isn't just saving lives – it's setting standards. We are honored to have been recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the past eight years with its HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence. Such recognition underscores the dedication, coordination and clinical excellence that define Merrimack Health's commitment to its communities in serving the health care needs of its patients.
Danielle A Garcia, MSN, RN, Program Manager
Our team at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital takes great pride in being the first hospital to earn the HeartCARE Center designation. That achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team and our focus on delivering specialized heart care from the moment a patient walks through our doors. For our community, it means faster treatment, trusted expertise, and support during some of life's most critical moments.
Allyson Collier, MSN, MBA, RN, Heart Hospital Administrator
Louis & Peaches Owen Heart Hospital Administrator
