Joplin, Mo. – Freeman Health System received the prestigious Get with the Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. The award recognizes Freeman’s successful commitment to implementing excellent care and treatment for stroke patients according to evidence-based guidelines.

“During a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and this award demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our care for stroke patients follows nationally respected clinical guidelines,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “Freeman is dedicated to continually improving the quality of stroke care, and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines – Stroke program helps us achieve that goal.”

Freeman earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, schedule a follow-up and receive other care transition interventions. American Heart Association studies point to improved patient recoveries when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

“This award exemplifies the wonderful stroke team we have at Freeman Health System with smooth interprofessional teamwork, strong administrative support and great work environment which ultimately leads to excellent patient care,” said Freeman Neurologist Dr. Gulshan Uppal.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying all-important oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts under pressure. When that happens, brain cells die. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds while someone dies from a stroke every four minutes. In all, 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery time.