August 17, 2026

Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® Regional Recognition award for regional collaboration regarding the care for those experiencing the most severe heart attacks.  The Mission: Lifeline Regional achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to work with referring and receiving hospital partners, as well as emergency medical services (EMS), to establish a system of care based on the most up-to-date research-based guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association. 
 
Delivering optimal care for heart attack patients takes coordination across the entire care continuum, made up of individual hospitals, EMS agencies and the broader healthcare system.  The American Heart Association recognizes LMH as a participant in the awarded Ohio Statewide Mission Lifeline (M:L) Regional Report.
 
“LMH is pleased to be part of the Ohio Statewide M:L Regional Report recognized for achievements in cardiac care and collective dedication to our heart attack patients,” said Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) President & CEO Rob Montagnese.  “Delivering the best care to each heart attack patient in our region is a top priority and a large part of the LMHS mission to improve the health of the community.” 
 
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a major cause of hospitalization in the United States.  According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report, ST‑elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) accounts for approximately 30 percent of ACS presentations.  STEMI is typically caused by acute, complete occlusion of a coronary artery.  Rapid restoration of blood flow through mechanical means and/or clot-dissolving medication is essential to prevent death and permanent heart damage.  
 
About Mission: Lifeline^®
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® program is a national initiative to improve the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive medical conditions. Mission: Lifeline is dedicated to fostering collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and aims to reduce mortality and morbidity rates for patients while improving overall care quality and patient outcomes.  For more information, visit heart.org.