CHI St. Vincent has announced a $5 million donation from Isabel and John Ed Anthony to establish the Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. The health network stated that this is the largest single gift it has received.
The new center will provide comprehensive cardiac care, combining inpatient and outpatient services such as cardiac electrophysiology and cardiothoracic surgery under one roof. CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute is currently the largest heart program in Arkansas and was ranked first for heart care in Central Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report.
Chad Aduddell, Market President of CHI St. Vincent, said, “This gift signals a bright future for cardiac healthcare in the state of Arkansas. We are honored by Isabel and John Ed Anthony’s generosity and for their long-time support of our ministry. Their support over the years has allowed St. Vincent to enhance its healthcare services to the community and create a positive impact across the state.”
The center will offer advanced services including heart failure management with mechanical circulatory support, left ventricle assist device (LVAD) assessment, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), Watchman procedures, transcatheter mitral valve repair, a cardiogenic shock program, cardio-oncology program, various diagnostic tests such as EKGs and ultrasounds, vascular testing, transesophageal echocardiogram procedures, and heart screening programs.
CHI St. Vincent Infirmary’s heart program holds a patient satisfaction rating above 95%. It has also been recognized as high performing in several cardiac procedures by U.S. News & World Report and is one of 80 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology’s 2025 NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award.
Dr. Gerry Jones, President of CHI St. Vincent Infirmary said, “I am honored to receive such a gracious gift from Isabel and John Ed Anthony for the expansion of our heart program at the Infirmary.” He added: “Not only does the Infirmary heart program treat the most complex cases in Arkansas, but has the best patient outcomes. This gift will allow us to expand our mission of treating the most vulnerable in the communities we serve.”
Isabel and John Ed Anthony have previously supported other initiatives at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs including establishing an advocacy center, funding mammography equipment upgrades, expanding cardiac services, and creating a childbirth center that now cares for more than 1,000 births annually.
Founded in 1888 and headquartered in Little Rock, CHI St. Vincent operates primary care clinics, specialty clinics, urgent care centers, hospitals and other health facilities across Arkansas as part of CommonSpirit Health.
