DHR Health Receives American Heart Association's Top Recognition for Stroke Care

Strategic Insights -

DHR Health has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus with Advanced Therapy awards for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment. This recognition is a result of DHR Health's dedication to providing timely and effective treatment, giving patients the best chance at recovery and long-term health. The hospital has met specific criteria to reduce the time between patient arrival and treatment with thrombolytic therapy, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and prevent death. Marissa CastaÈeda, senior executive vice president of DHR Health, emphasized the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality care for stroke patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • DHR Health has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus with Advanced Therapy awards for its commitment to stroke care.
  • The hospital has met specific criteria to reduce the time between patient arrival and treatment with thrombolytic therapy to remove the clot causing the stroke.
  • DHR Health has been re-designated as a Level I Comprehensive Stroke Center from the State of Texas and are dual-certified from the DNV and TJC.
  • Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates, according to Steven Messe, M.D.
  • Marissa CastaÈeda, senior executive vice president of DHR Health, stated that the hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care for stroke patients across the Rio Grande Valley.
  • Get With The Guidelines helps hospitals stay aligned with the latest evidence-based practices, ensuring timely and effective treatment for stroke patients.

Statistics:

  • Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.
  • 795,000 people develop a stroke every year, with approximately 610,000 being first events and 185,000 recurrent strokes.
  • The risk of stroke is significantly higher for people over the age of 65, with approximately 87% of all strokes occurring in this age group.

Sources:

  • American Heart Association
  • Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group
  • Marissa CastaÈeda, senior executive vice president of DHR Health
  • "Edinburg, Texas, Aug. 19 -- DHR Health issued the following news release: DHR Health has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus with Advanced Therapy awards 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."