Bismarck recognized with ACC HeartCARE designation
May 19, 2026
Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org
Sanford Bismarck provides world-class patient care through a sustainable quality improvement program
BISMARCK, N.D. – The American College of Cardiology has recognized Sanford Bismarck for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. Sanford Bismarck was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in April based on meeting accreditation criteria, and through their ongoing performance registry reporting.
Hospitals and health systems that have earned an ACC HeartCARE Center designation have met a set of criteria, including participating in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs, NCDR registries and targeted quality improvement campaigns, such as Patient Navigator Program: Focus MI, that are designed to help hospitals and institutions close gaps in guideline-based care. Sanford Bismarck has been accredited as a Chest Pain Center – Primary PCI through the American College of Cardiology since 2019.
With this new designation, hospitals and health systems can now showcase their elite status and publicly highlight their outstanding commitment to quality for their patients, providers and other stakeholders.
“Sanford Bismarck has shown a strong commitment to delivering outstanding heart care to the Bismarck-Mandan community,” said Steven B. Deitelzweig, M.D., MMM, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to recognize Sanford Bismarck with the HeartCARE Center designation.”
Hospitals receiving the HeartCARE Center designation from the ACC have demonstrated their commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional excellence, and community engagement. Sanford Bismarck has proven to be a forward-thinking institution with goals to advance the cause of sustainable quality improvement.
“Earning the ACC HeartCARE Center designation reflects the strength of our entire cardiovascular team and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, coordinated care,” said Brittney Mueller, vice president of operations, Sanford Bismarck. “By investing in evidence-based practices, national registries and continuous improvement, we’re ensuring patients across the Bismarck-Mandan region receive exceptional heart care close to home.”
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Sanford Bismarck access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care.
The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
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