Williamsport, Pa., Sept. 10, 2024 – UPMC in North Central Pa. facilities have received American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® –  Stroke quality achievement awards for their 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.

UPMC’s Outpatient Emergency Department in Lock Haven and UPMC Williamsport have earned the Gold Plus designation. To be awarded Gold Plus, a hospital must reach at least 85% compliance in numerous quality measures as outlined by the American Heart Association for at least 24 consecutive months. UPMC Williamsport also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award, which aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

UPMC Muncy and UPMC Wellsboro have earned the Rural Stroke Bronze designation. To be awarded a Rural Recognition Bronze, a hospital must reach at least 75% compliance in numerous quality measures by the American Heart Association for at least one calendar quarter.

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.

“UPMC is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the northcentral region can experience longer, healthier lives.”

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.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize UPMC in North Central Pa. facilities for their 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.”

For more information on stroke care provided by UPMC in North Central Pa., visit UPMC.com/NorthCentralPA.