WASHINGTON, Pa., July 17, 2026 — UPMC Washington has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for the 17th consecutive year, recognizing the hospital's commitment to providing timely, evidence-based stroke care close to home for patients throughout Washington County and the surrounding region.
Stroke is the fourth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improve survival, minimize long-term effects and support faster recovery.
Get With The Guidelines – Stroke brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. It is an in-hospital program designed to improve stroke care through consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects of stroke and help prevent death.
"This recognition — for 17 consecutive years — is a testament to the dedication, expertise and compassion of our stroke team," said Brook Ward, president, UPMC Washington. "Every day, our physicians, nurses, emergency responders, therapists and support staff work together to provide life-saving care close to home for patients across our region. These awards reflect what matters most — helping our neighbors receive the highest quality stroke care when every second counts. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their unwavering commitment to the patients and communities we serve."
Each year, participating hospitals qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality stroke care. In addition to following clinical treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to help people manage their recovery and ongoing health at home.
"We are proud to recognize UPMC Washington for its commitment to caring for people experiencing stroke," said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care advisory group. "Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, including greater likelihood of being discharged home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a meaningful benefit for health care systems, families and communities."
In addition, UPMC Washington received the American Heart Association's Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient's arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.
UPMC Washington also received the American Heart Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award, which aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.