South Carolina Mission: Lifeline Print

missionlifeline_logo.jpgSouth Carolina Mission: Lifeline is a collaborative partnership between the South Carolina Hospital Association, South Carolina Chapter of American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, South Carolina Chapter of the College of Emergency Physicians, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Emergency Medical Services, all 17 of the South Carolina hospitals that provide interventional cardiac services, and patient advocates.

The primary strategic aims for the South Carolina Mission: Lifeline program are to:

  • Create a regionalized system for STEMI care in the Midlands, Pee Dee, Upstate and Low Country areas of the state
  • Establish one call cath lab activation systems in each hospital providing  interventional cardiology services
  • Establish a unified statewide data management system for tracking and analyzing key acute cardiac care indicators
  • Establish common clinical performance goals and standards
  • Provide  a system for active learning and knowledge sharing
  • Implement a unified public relations/awareness campaign
  • Provide jointly sponsored educational programs

The South Carolina Mission: Lifeline Steering Committee, chaired by Eric Powers, M.D., medical director of the interventional cardiac program at MUSC, meets quarterly to provide direction and oversight for this initiative. Three active work groups are assessing current assets and needs and developing strategies and best practice standards on regionalization, one call activation, and data collection/quality improvement. A stakeholders group, which includes approximately 75 members, meets via conference call every other month to share best practices, receive updates on Steering Committee and Work Group activities, and address questions on implementation of the statewide STEMI system of care.