Ochsner Rush Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Gold, a quality achievement award, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognition 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.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. 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.

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.

“Ochsner Rush Health is committed to providing high-quality patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Larkin Kennedy, chief executive officer of Ochsner Rush Health. “Get With The Guidelines helps our team to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which can lead to faster and better recovery for patients. The end goal is to ensure more people in Meridian and the surrounding 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 Ochsner Rush Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, 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.”

Ochsner Rush Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Patients with Type 2 diabetes might be at higher risk for complications. Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognizes hospitals for providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based care for patients hospitalized due to stroke.