The American Heart Association has announced that it has secured $6.5 million in funding to enhance systems of care for heart attack patients in rural Minnesota through its Mission: Lifeline program.

The funding, which includes a lead gift of $4.6 million from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, will support the three-year implementation of the program, which is designed to provide timely access to treatment for a type of heart attack known as an ST-elevated myocardial infarction, in which blood flow is completely blocked to a portion of the heart. Unless the blockage is eliminated quickly, the patient's life is at risk. Today, however, almost two-thirds of STEMI patients do not receive the best available treatments aimed at restoring blood flow. The project will work to enhance a systemwide quality measurement and improvement tool, ongoing medical provider training and STEMI education, coordination of protocols for rural EMS and hospital personnel, regional plans for the rapid transport of patients, and a public education campaign.

In addition to the grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the program has secured funding from Medtronic Philanthropy ($300,000), the Otto Bremer Foundation ($200,000), the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community ($100,000), and others. In-kind contributions from AHA and other partners will provide additional project resources valued at $1 million.

"This initiative represents a significant investment in Minnesota's healthcare system, especially in our rural areas," said Ed Ehlinger, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health. "We are pleased to be partnering with the Helmsley Charitable Trust and private and nonprofit organizations across the state to provide these important, lifesaving services to our citizens."