Murray Applauds New Investment in Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease in Washington State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement applauding the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)’s  announcement of an innovative new partnership to combat heart disease and improve heart health in Washington state.

"I'm proud that Washington state is leading the way in health care innovation that helps families get the high quality care they need, and today's announcement is yet another great example of this leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with the MacColl Center and other key partners to tackle major health challenges, like heart disease, and help improve prevention and treatment for families and communities throughout our state."  

The new partnership, led by the MacColl Center for Health Care Innovation at Group Health Research Institute, is funded by a $13.7 million award. Participating primary care practices, including 150 in Washington state, will receive technical assistance related to health information technology, training for quality improvements, and other support needed to strengthen health care delivery. The award builds on the HHS Million Hearts® initiative, which aims to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. For more information about the award, click here.