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American Heart Association Honors Hospital’s President Emeritus


Jackson, Michigan—The American Heart Association honored Henry Ford Allegiance Health President Emeritus Georgia Fojtasek, RN, EdD, with the Coeur Vitae Award for Community Service at its annual Heart Ball last week. The Coeur Vitae (Heart of Life) Award is given annually to an individual who, through tireless dedication to their community, demonstrates love and caring for their fellow man.

During her 30 years in leadership, Georgia was a driving force in making top-notch cardiovascular care accessible at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. She championed the creation of an open-heart surgery program that offers services ranging from open-heart surgery to cardiac catheterization and angioplasty to minimally invasive vascular procedures and aneurysm repair, all available locally.

 

“I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient of the Coeur Vitae Award,” Fojtasek said. “As a leader, you can set a compelling vision, but it takes gifted, dedicated professionals to galvanize around that vision and run with it. I am in awe of what this amazing team has accomplished and am excited as I anticipate even more extraordinary growth in heart care options for patients in our community.”

 

Georgia was instrumental in the creation of the new Structural Heart Program as well, which recently introduced patients to the minimally invasive option of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Other innovative procedures offered to address a range of heart-related concerns include WATCHMAN, the revolutionary new implantable device used to prevent stroke caused by blood clots in the brain.

 

“Georgia’s recognition from the American Heart Association is well earned. Her heart of compassion—her heart of life—and her passion for the health and well-being of her community have inspired countless individuals and brought about extraordinary advancements in heart care that continue to change lives for the better every day,” said Henry Ford Allegiance Health Board of Trustees Vice Chair Martha Fuerstenau.

 

About Henry Ford Allegiance Health

Henry Ford Allegiance Health (HFAH) is a 475-bed health system in Jackson, Michigan. HFAH complements traditional acute care services with primary and community-based to support patients across the health continuum at every stage of life. With its Level II Trauma Center, Henry Ford Allegiance Health provides comprehensive care for severely injured patients. As a teaching hospital, Henry Ford Allegiance Health continually looks to the future with its Center for Health Innovation & Education and Graduate Medical Education program. Through its Health Improvement Organization (HIO), HFAH is also a national leader in forming community partnerships that innovatively address wellness and prevention needs across the region. Visit HenryFord.com/Allegiance to learn more.

 

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) is a six-hospital system headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. HFHS is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive, integrated health systems, recognized for clinical excellence and innovation. It provides health insurance and health care delivery, including acute, specialty, primary and preventive care services backed by excellence in research and education. HFHS is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. Visit henryford.com to learn more.

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