Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee Campus has been awarded Primary Heart Attack Center (PHAC) Certification by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), recognizing the hospital’s excellence in delivering high-quality, timely, and lifesaving care for patients experiencing the most severe type of heart attack.
This national certification is awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous standards for heart attack treatment, including rapid diagnosis, advanced intervention, and seamless coordination of care to improve patient outcomes. Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee Campus is one of the only hospitals in Wisconsin to achieve this designation demonstrating its commitment to leading-edge cardiac care and continuous improvement in heart attack response protocols.
“Receiving the Primary Heart Attack Center Certification is a testament to the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff in delivering exceptional cardiac care,” said Andre Storey, President, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee. “Our hospital has worked tirelessly to refine processes, implement the latest technology, and enhance collaboration across emergency and cardiac teams. This recognition reinforces our mission to save lives and improve heart health outcomes for our community.”
Why This Achievement Matters
Recognized Excellence: The Joint Commission and the AHA set the highest benchmarks for heart attack treatment, ensuring that certified hospitals provide evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Faster, More Effective Treatment: Hospitals with PHAC Certification are proven to have streamlined processes that reduce time-to-treatment, a critical factor in survival and recovery.
Community Impact: In Wisconsin, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death. More than 800,000 heart attacks occur annually in the U.S. By earning this certification, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee Campus strengthens its role as a regional leader in cardiac emergency care.
“This certification demonstrates that our team has the expertise, technology, and protocols in place to rapidly diagnose and treat heart attacks, giving our patients the best chance at survival and recovery,” said Dr. Alexander Smolensky, cardiologist and Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Service Line for Ascension Wisconsin. “I’m incredibly proud of our team’s relentless commitment to excellence in cardiac care.”
This latest advanced cardiac certification builds on Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s long-standing reputation for cardiac excellence, including its state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab, advanced imaging technology, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to improving heart health across the greater Milwaukee area.
For more information about cardiac care at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee, click here or call 844-274-9400.
Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital - Milwaukee was named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 list of Best Hospitals as a ‘High Performing’ hospital. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. U.S.
