TROY, N.Y. — Samaritan Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital, affiliates of St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP), have received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award 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.

Someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in America. 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 speeding recovery times.

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.

“St. Peter’s Health Partners is honored to have two of our hospitals recognized by the American Heart Association for their dedication to helping our patients have the best possible chance of survival after a stroke,” Kim Baker, Senior VP, Hospital Operations, SPHP and St. Joseph’s Health, said in a news release from the hospital. “Get With The Guidelines – Stroke 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 Capital Region can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Samaritan and St. Peter’s hospitals for their commitment to stroke care,” 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.”