NORTHWEST INDIANA | St. Catherine Hospital has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first hospital in Indiana to earn The Joint Commission’s Acute Heart Attack Ready (AHAR) distinction, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, life-saving cardiac care.
The prestigious designation reflects the dedication, expertise and collaboration of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, ancillary staff, leaders and support personnel across the organization. The achievement follows extensive preparation and a steadfast commitment to meeting the rigorous standards established by The Joint Commission.
“This distinction represents far more than an accreditation,” said Dale O’Donnell, vice president of Cardiovascular Services for Powers Health. “It is a testament to the culture of excellence that exists throughout St. Catherine Hospital and Powers Health, as well as our collective commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional patient care.”
The AHAR certification recognizes hospitals that demonstrate the ability to quickly identify, evaluate and treat patients experiencing acute heart attacks. The designation highlights the hospital’s established care processes, clinical expertise and multidisciplinary teamwork, ensuring patients receive timely, coordinated and evidence-based treatment during critical medical emergencies.
By earning this recognition, St. Catherine Hospital is helping raise the standard for cardiovascular care throughout Northwest Indiana and reinforcing its commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
“This historic accomplishment reflects countless hours of hard work, unwavering dedication and a shared focus on patient-centered care,” said Samer Abbas, MD, a cardiologist and co-medical director of Cardiovascular Services for Powers Health and medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program of Powers Health. “We thank our entire team for their passion, professionalism and commitment to excellence. Together, they have made history for St. Catherine Hospital and established a new benchmark for cardiovascular care across Indiana.”
The AHAR distinction further demonstrates St. Catherine Hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional cardiovascular services and advancing patient outcomes through quality, innovation and collaboration.
