American Heart Association Recognizes Thousands for Excellence in Cardiovascular Care

The American Heart Association's recent recognition of 4,859 healthcare and emergency response organizations across the United States highlights a significant stride in the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the country. These awards, part of the Get With The Guidelines® and other quality improvement programs, celebrate the use of the latest scientific research to inform treatment decisions, ensuring patients receive timely and consistent care backed by evidence.

This year's awards, ranging from bronze to gold plus, are based on the duration and quality of adherence to critical treatment measures. A notable addition is the new Commitment to Quality award, which was bestowed upon 158 hospitals for their high performance across three or more clinical areas within the Get With The Guidelines program. This award underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to enhancing patient care quality.

Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, highlighted the critical need for rapid, coordinated, and science-based care for individuals suffering from heart attacks and strokes. The recognition of these organizations not only celebrates their achievements but also marks progress in the broader mission to extend healthier lives and reduce deaths related to CVD.

With over 14,500 awards distributed this year, the initiative's reach extends across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam. The increasing number of recognized organizations reflects the healthcare community's growing dedication to quality improvement and excellence in patient care. For further details on the Get With The Guidelines program and to explore the complete list of award recipients, visit https://www.heart.org/quality.