Freeman Health System has received three “Get With the Guidelines® achievement awards from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. This recognition highlights Freeman’s commitment to ensuring heart and stroke patients receive the most appropriate, up-to-date treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

“The receipt of these accolades is a testament to the dedication and commitment of every team across Freeman Health System. I am so proud of the work our teams do every day,” said Freeman Health System President and CEO Matt Fry. “Their focus on providing high-quality, contemporary healthcare is truly inspiring. It is an honor to serve our community, and our entire team is committed to continuing our pursuit of expanding access, improving quality, enhancing the patient experience, and reducing costs.”

 Freeman received the following achievement awards:

• Get With The Guidelines®: Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center—Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• Get With The Guidelines®: Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI—Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• Get With The Guidelines®: Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

“It is such an honor for Freeman Health System to be recognized for these awards,” said Dr. Matthew Grounds, Stroke Medical Director. “This demonstrates Freeman’s commitment to following best practice guidelines in caring for stroke patients. Great leadership and teamwork make this possible, and we are proud of this.”

Each year, more than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to the American Heart Association. About 30% of ACS cases are classified as STEMI, caused by a complete blockage in a coronary artery. 

“These awards reflect our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering timely, evidence-based care for patients experiencing cardiac events,” said Michelle Wolfe, Freeman’s STEMI Coordinator. “Most importantly, they represent lives saved and the dedication of our entire care team to providing the highest quality care to our community.”

Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. 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 improving survival, minimizing disability and supporting faster recovery.

Studies show patients recover more swiftly, with fewer hospital readmissions when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

“Achieving ‘Gold Plus’ and ‘Gold’ distinctions for both STEMI and NSTEMI care demonstrates the strength of our coordinated systems—from EMS through hospital treatment—and our focus on improving outcomes,” Wolfe shared.

Since 2019, Freeman Health System has earned 12 “Get With the Guidelines” achievement awards, including five in 2025.

“We are proud to recognize Freeman Health System for its commitment to caring for people experiencing stroke [and a STEMI heart attack],” said Dr. Steven Messe, 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.”