AdventHealth Gordon is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke awards for proven dedication to best practices and lifesaving care

AdventHealth Gordon has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke Gold Plus award for its 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.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

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.

“AdventHealth Gordon follows the most current treatment guidelines and has optimized processes to provide swift and accurate care for stroke emergencies and congestive heart failure," said Chris Self, president and CEO of AdventHealth Gordon. "Our dedicated team works diligently to not only meet but exceed these standards, enabling us to help more people in Northwest Georgia live longer, healthier lives.”

This year, AdventHealth Gordon received the following achievement award

· Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD PLUS with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke^SM Honor Roll Elite Plus award is given for timely treatment with alteplase, the clot-busting drug when indicated. The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

Strokes are the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that 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.

AdventHealth Gordon provides complete heart and vascular care for our community. Signs of stroke or heart attack are a medical emergency and warrant calling 911 for the best outcome. AdventHealth Gordon also provides care for chronic health conditions, including heart failure and anticoagulant management.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize AdventHealth Gordon for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, 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.”