3/18/2026
CHRISTUS Health Jacksonville has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), highlighting the hospital’s dedication to providing fast, effective cardiac care for patients across East Texas.
The accreditation is awarded to hospitals that meet strict, evidence-based standards in the rapid identification and treatment of heart attack symptoms. The process involves an extensive review of protocols, staff training, performance metrics and continuous quality improvement initiatives, making it one of the most rigorous recognitions in cardiovascular care.
For rural communities, where distance and access can be barriers, having accredited care nearby can make a life-saving difference.
“Time is everything when it comes to treating heart attacks,” said Dwain Coates, chest pain program manager. “This accreditation demonstrates that our team is equipped and ready to provide timely, evidence-based care right here in our community.”
In their report, the ACC noted the hospital’s ‘exemplary achievement’ reflected efficient processes and rapid clinical coordination that directly enhanced patient outcomes, reduced mortality, improved myocardial salvage and decreased complication rates.
The ACC also commended the hospital for efficiency in suspected heart attack patients who received an echocardiogram (ECG). CHRISTUS Health Jacksonville recorded a median wait of three minutes from a patient’s arrival to a completed ECG in the emergency room, and providers reviewed the results in another three minutes.
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in East Texas, making access to accredited chest pain care especially important.
By achieving this recognition, CHRISTUS Health Jacksonville strengthens its ability to improve outcomes and save lives throughout the region.
“This milestone reinforces our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by bringing advanced care to the communities we serve,” Coates said. “Our patients can feel confident knowing they have access to nationally recognized heart care without leaving their hometown.”
