Heart and Vascular Campaign

Some of the numbers related to the overall health of our region are shocking — specifically as they relate to our hearts. Kentucky is:

• The 49th worst state for high cholesterol.
• The 48th worst state for cardiovascular disease.
• The 47th worst state for heart attacks.

This means our husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, friends and neighbors are suffering. We need to work even harder at improving the health of our community.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is working to develop a Heart and Vascular Institute that is built around the needs of our community.  We pledge to reduce heart attacks and heart attack-related deaths in Northern Kentucky by 25 percent during the next 10 years.

A new Heart and Vascular Institute will provide the region with comprehensive and personalized care, access to prevention, education and screenings, clinical research and trials, as well as the highest level of technology for diagnostics and treatment of cardiovascular-related issues.

According to Dr. Victor Schmelzer, the Medical Director of Cardiac Surgery and Interim Medical Director of the Heart and Vascular Institute, “Our program will be unique, as it will be a fully-integrated, working model built around the needs of our patients. It means we are focused on providing our patients the care they deserve. They will get the right treatment, by the right doctors, at the right time, for the right reasons.”

The Foundation's campaign for the Heart and Vascular Institute is being chaired by Bill Holocher — a man who understands the community need, first-hand. Here’s Bill’s story:

Bill Holocher, an exceptionally fit, 59-year-old insurance executive, has always been proactive about his health. After losing his father in a tragic car accident at six years old, he wants to ensure that he’s around for his own family — to continue planning his annual ski trip with his children, and be there for all of his family’s traditions.

But, as he found out a few years back, heart disease can sneak up on even the most healthy and active people.

The troubling results of a preventative screening led to further testing, which revealed five deadly blockages in the blood supply to his heart.

Bill says St. Elizabeth and its doctors saved his life.

Please click here for information about the Heart and Vascular Institute Campaign, or contact the St. Elizabeth Foundation office at (859) 301-3920.