Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center have received national recognition from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program for their performance in stroke care.
Conemaugh Memorial was awarded the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, which highlights its use of evidence-based treatment protocols that aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce disability. Conemaugh Meyersdale earned the Silver Quality Achievement Award, moving up from a Bronze designation in 2024, indicating ongoing improvement in its stroke care practices.
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Early detection and treatment are considered crucial for improving survival rates and minimizing long-term effects. The Get With The Guidelines – Stroke program is an initiative that encourages hospitals nationwide to follow research- and evidence-based guidelines to standardize stroke care, which can help reduce mortality and disability associated with strokes.
“Conemaugh Health System is deeply committed to delivering exceptional patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Rodney Reider, CEO and Market President of Conemaugh Health System. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our communities can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Hospitals qualify for these awards each year by demonstrating commitment to quality stroke care. In addition to clinical protocols, participating organizations educate patients on managing their health after leaving the hospital.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Conemaugh Memorial and Conemaugh Meyersdale for their commitment to caring for patients with 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, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Conemaugh Memorial also received two additional honors: the Target: StrokeSM Elite Plus award for meeting criteria aimed at reducing treatment time for eligible stroke patients; and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award, which focuses on providing current, evidence-based care for hospitalized stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes.
