The institute will be located prominently on the UK Chandler Medical Center's campus in close proximity to UK Hospital. It is anticipated that groundbreaking will take place by the end of 1998, with completion of the facility in the summer of 2000. While the concept of the Kentucky Heart Institute has existed for several years, its components are widely dispersed throughout the Medical Center, and a central facility is essential. The new facility will unify all these components, forming a powerful medical organization from many programs already in place, while providing needed laboratories, clinics, classrooms, and office space for current and new faculty and staff. The Commonwealth of Kentucky will benefit greatly from the Linda and Jack Gill Heart Institute.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Kentucky ranks fifth worst in the nation in coronary disease. The clinical programs of the institute will target this unacceptable increased mortality. The research and teaching programs will advance cardiovascular care throughout the world, and attract grants and investments to Kentucky. The mission of the Linda and Jack Gill Heart Institute is to provide the highest level of excellence in patient care, research, education and prevention of cardiovascular disease. The vision of the institute includes serving as a catalyst for efforts to reduce the death rate from cardiovascular disease in Kentucky from its currently unacceptably high level while promoting primary prevention of cardiovasular disease among patients, staff, volunteers and the community.