Hospitals recognized for stroke care excellence

Health

Aug 7

Trinity Health Muskegon and Trinity Health Grand Rapids have each received the 2025 American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. The honor recognizes the hospital'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.

Additionally, Trinity Health Shelby earned the Get With The Guidelines - Rural Stroke Gold quality achievement award. This is provided to federally designated access hospitals or short-term acute care hospitals within Rural Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA), geographically classified as large rural, small rural or isolated. The hospital also earned the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Silver Plus quality achievement award.

Stroke ranks as the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke can occur when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and its nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain does not receive the blood and oxygen it needs, which kills brain cells. Early detection and treatment of strokes are crucial for improving survival rates, minimizing disability, and reducing recovery times.

"Our stroke response teams work with one shared mission, to ensure that every patient experiencing a stroke receives the fastest, most advanced treatment available," said Shannon Striebich, President and CEO, Trinity Health Michigan. "These recognitions are a powerful testament to the dedication and clinical excellence across our statewide health system and reflect our commitment to improving outcomes for all stroke patients."

Each year, program participants 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.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

"We are incredibly pleased to recognize these Trinity Health Michigan hospitals for their commitment to caring for patients with stroke," said Steven Messe, M.D., Volunteer Chair, American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. "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."

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