Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville has once again earned national recognition for its dedication to delivering exceptional stroke care.
According to local hospital officials, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville has again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award, recognizing their commitment to top-quality, research-based stroke care that saves lives and reduces disability.
Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the United States. It happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die. Quick detection and treatment are critical for better survival and recovery.
Get With The Guidelines is a nationwide program from the American Heart Association that helps hospitals follow the latest research-based stroke care standards, improving treatment and reducing long-term effects or death from stroke.
In a written statement, Robbie Jones, Stroke Program Coordinator, said Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville is dedicated to following the latest treatment guidelines, making it easier for staff to provide care proven to help stroke patients recover. She said the goal is to help more people in western Kentucky live longer, healthier lives.
Each year, officials said hospitals earn this award by showing their commitment to quality stroke care and by educating patients to manage their health and recovery at home.
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award, recognizing their commitment to providing the best care for stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes.
In addition, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award for their work meeting the specific health needs of rural communities.
According to hospital officials, people in rural areas typically live three years less than those in cities and face higher risks for heart disease and stroke. They added that Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville is working to close this gap by improving stroke care and tackling rural health disparities.
Jones said that, as a rural hospital, they face challenges like longer transfer times and limited staff, but remain committed to ensuring stroke patients always receive the highest standard of care.
She further stated that rural communities deserve high quality stroke care, and she’s proud of their team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and this achievement.
