(Cherokee Village, ARk.) — White River Health Emergency Department Cherokee Village, previously known as WRMC Medical Complex Cherokee Village Emergency Department, received the American Heart Association’s Silver Plus Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

 Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery.

 Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research-and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

 “White River Health is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Gary Paxson, President and CEO of White River Health. “Using Get With The Guidelines, our teams put proven knowledge and practices to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help improve recovery.”

 Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

 “We are incredibly pleased to recognize White River Health Emergency Department Cherokee Village for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., Chairperson of the 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 healthcare organizations, families, and communities.”

 White River Health Emergency Department Cherokee Village also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes 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.

White River Health Emergency Department Cherokee Village

White River Health Emergency Department Cherokee Village provides emergency care to patients in the Cherokee Village area.  White River Health Emergency Department Cherokee Village is a facility of White River Health (WRH), previously known as White River Health System. WRH remains an independent, not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents throughout North Central Arkansas.  The system includes hospitals, outpatient facilities, primary care and specialty physician office practices, and Senior Life Centers.  WRH is a member of the Premier Alliance, the American Hospital Association, and the Arkansas Hospital Association and licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.

About Get With The Guidelines^®

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.