PRIORITY 3 - Support & upgrade of health & social services
The Heart Safe CBA – Towards a Cross-Border Heart Safe Area project strengthens emergency medical response and healthcare resilience in the cross-border area between Greece and North Macedonia by addressing the shared challenge of limited access to timely cardiac and crisis care. Its vision is to create a “Heart Safe” cross-border area through upgraded infrastructure, modern equipment, professional and community training and increased public awareness. Building on the experience of the successful HeartSafeCities project implemented under the previous programming period 2014-2020, Heart Safe CBA extends this model across the border, introducing new technology, mobile units and coordinated action to save lives.
Activities take place in Thessaloniki and the wider region of Central Macedonia (Serres, Kilkis and Pella), as well as in the Southeast Planning Region of North Macedonia, covering municipalities such as Strumica, Gevgelija, Radovish, Valandovo, Dojran, and Novo Selo. These areas include both urban and rural communities, some of which remain underserved by existing emergency healthcare services.
The General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, acting as Lead Beneficiary, coordinates project management and implementation while developing a new medical simulation and training laboratory equipped with advanced diagnostic and emergency tools. The hospital leads training activities for healthcare professionals and citizens and designs the cross-border Health Policy Action Plan to ensure sustainable cooperation and preparedness. The Hellenic Society of Emergency Prehospital Care leads the training framework for emergency response, delivering Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Life Support courses for medical personnel, volunteers, and local residents. It also expands the regional volunteer network of first responders and contributes to public awareness and dissemination actions. The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region in North Macedonia focuses on the practical deployment of emergency infrastructure, procuring four new ambulances, 18 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) placed in public buildings and border crossings, six semi-automatic defibrillators, and six electrocardiogram devices distributed among regional health centres. It also co-organises cross-border trainings, outreach events and communication campaigns including project videos, podcasts, and awareness materials promoting heart health.
Heart Safe CBA directly benefits medical staff, paramedics and volunteers who gain advanced skills in emergency cardiac care, as well as local citizens, particularly in remote and rural municipalities, who will have faster access to emergency response and treatment. Vulnerable populations and older residents will be protected through better preparedness, while healthcare institutions and local authorities will benefit from new infrastructure and improved coordination.
Each year, more than 5,000 persons will benefit from modernised healthcare services, while 100 professionals and citizens will participate in structured joint trainings and awareness actions. Cooperation between at least three organisations will continue after project completion, supporting the long-term development of a resilient cross-border healthcare network. Improved access to emergency care will lead to higher survival rates in cardiac arrest cases and greater community awareness across more than ten municipalities.
Lead Beneficiary
Project Beneficiaries