FAQ: Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator Extension to 2028

What is the Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator?

It’s an American Heart Association initiative that provides no-cost enrollment opportunities for rural hospitals in the Get With The Guidelines® programs to improve cardiovascular and stroke care outcomes in rural communities.

Why was this program extended through 2028?

The extension continues the commitment to closing the health gap between rural and urban Americans, as rural residents face 30% higher stroke risk, 40% higher heart disease risk, and live three years fewer on average.

What specific programs are included in this initiative?

The initiative includes Get With The Guidelines programs for coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke, with Critical Access Hospitals receiving access to all five programs including atrial fibrillation and resuscitation.

What benefits do participating rural hospitals receive?

Hospitals receive no-cost program enrollment, access to the peer-to-peer Rural Community Network, dedicated quality consultants, quarterly learning collaboratives, quality improvement focus groups, educational resources, and recognition awards based on performance metrics.

How many hospitals have participated so far and what results have been achieved?

430 rural hospitals have enrolled in the Accelerator at no cost, totaling over 1,000 rural hospitals engaged in more than 1,500 programs nationwide, with over 650 earning recognition awards in 2025 alone.

Who is eligible to participate in this program?

Rural hospitals and federally designated Critical Access Hospitals are eligible, with the latter receiving access to all five Get With The Guidelines programs at no cost.

When does the extended program run through?

The extended funding runs through June 2028, providing three-year no-cost enrollment opportunities for new rural organizations.

Why is this initiative particularly important for rural communities?

Rural hospitals serve as vital access points for over 60 million people in rural communities who face significant health disparities compared to urban populations.