Mountain Vista Medical Center, both a primary and comprehensive stroke center, has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus with Target: Stroke and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Rolls 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.

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. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

“Mountain Vista is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Debra Botticelli, Mountain Vista Stroke Program Coordinator. “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke 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 the East Valley can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Mountain Vista also provides education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Mountain Vista 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 health care systems, families and communities.”

Additionally, Mountain Vista received the Association’s Target: Stroke and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Rolls. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed with more than 90 percent of compliance for 12 consecutive months for the “Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score.”