NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital snagged a top award from the American Heart Association for its exceptional stroke care, earning the 2025 Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus distinction. This honor recognizes the hospital’s commitment to top-tier stroke treatment, aligning patient care with the latest evidence-based research.
This award highlights Cooley Dickinson’s dedication to excellence in stroke treatment.
“The Get with the Guidelines award is a true reflection of the dedication and effort of our entire team, who go above and beyond national guidelines to set their own high standards in stroke care,” said Dr. Sundeep Shukla, associate chief medical officer at Cooley Dickinson.
Ben Hogan, EMS and Stroke Program coordinator, emphasized the achievement reflects a sustained commitment. “This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to our stroke patients, and it honors the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our entire team,” Hogan stated. He added that the recognition proves they consistently meet and exceed rigorous treatment standards.
Stroke: A Major Health Concern
Stroke remains the fifth-leading cause of death and a primary driver of disability in the United States. It occurs when a brain artery is blocked or bursts, cutting off vital oxygen and nutrients. This deprives brain cells of what they need, leading to their death. Swift detection and treatment are crucial for survival, recovery, and minimizing long-term effects.
Did you know? Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.
Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the stroke system of care advisory group at the American Heart Association, praised the hospital’s efforts. “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Cooley Dickinson for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Messe, who is also a professor of Neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He noted that participating in Get with the Guidelines is linked to better patient outcomes, including fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.
Commitment to Quality Care
Hospitals participating in the Get with the Guidelines program qualify for awards by demonstrating a strong commitment to patient care quality. Beyond adhering to treatment guidelines, these institutions also educate patients on managing their conditions at home.
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital received the 2025 Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus award from the American Heart Association for stroke treatment excellence.
- The award signifies the hospital’s dedication to evidence-based, high-quality stroke care, exceeding national standards.
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., making prompt treatment vital.
- The program aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce readmissions, and lower mortality rates for stroke patients.
