Pathfinders for the road ahead.

Rural hospitals across the country are working to provide longer, healthier lives for their communities. 

Taking on the Rural Health Disparity

Recent data shows a concerning trend: People living in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than their urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease—a gap that has grown in the past decade. Plus, rural residents are at a 30% higher risk of stroke. 1, 2
Doctor standing proudly

Pathfinders are moving rural health care forward.

Look for the "Rural Pathfinder" badge

Hundreds of hospitals across the country have committed to reversing the health disparities in their rural communities by working with the American Heart Association.  Aptly named “Pathfinders,” each hospital in the Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator commits to embracing the latest evidence-based guidelines and select quality improvement programs to advance patient outcomes.  

Why Choose a Rural Pathfinder Hospital?

Hospitals that participate in the Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator have access to resources and tools to better help patients experiencing cardiovascular disease states, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke.  As a result, patients can have confidence that their hospital has all the resources and support for great patient care.

Hospitals: Enroll in The Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator

The American Heart Association and experts in the cardiovascular field are committed to improving outcomes through evidence-based patient care.  The Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator was created to provide a pathway and resources for rural hospitals to learn and succeed in changing health care disparities for their communities.

For Hospitals Interested in No-Cost Enrollment
Image of a country road with road sign saying "Hospital"

Looking for more information on cardiovascular health?

About Stroke

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

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About Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. As a result, your body isn’t getting enough of the oxygen-rich blood it needs to work properly.

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About Coronary Artery Disease

Also called Coronary Heart Disease, this denotes a buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries that could lead to heart attack.

Learn More