Reno, Nevada (July 10, 2023) – Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award, which is the highest tier for the quality achievement awards in stroke care. This award demonstrates Saint Mary’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the country. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or the blood vessel bursts. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping to ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. Recipients of the award showcase improved stroke care by promoting adherence to these guidelines, which minimizes the long-term effects of a stroke and can even prevent death.
“Saint Mary’s is committed to constantly improving patient care and aligning to the very latest in medical best-practice,” said Derrick Glum, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Mary’s Health Network. “The Get With The Guidelines award is a testament to our team’s daily dedication to helping our patients experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year, program participants like Saint Mary’s qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.