Baxter Health has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award for its efforts to improve stroke care and reduce health disparities in rural communities.
The Gold recognition honors rural hospitals that demonstrate excellence in providing timely, evidence based stroke care using nationally recognized treatment guidelines. Hospitals are evaluated on performance measures that include rapid treatment, brain imaging, communication with emergency medical services, patient assessments, and coordination of care.
According to the American Heart Association, people living in rural communities face a higher risk of heart disease and stroke related deaths than those in urban areas. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability, making early diagnosis and treatment critical to improving patient outcomes.
“This recognition reflects Baxter Health’s commitment to delivering exceptional, evidence based stroke care so our patients receive the right treatment as quickly as possible when every minute matters,” said Rachel Gilbert, Chief Nursing Officer at Baxter Health. “I’m incredibly proud of and grateful to our physicians, nurses, EMS partners, and support teams whose dedication and collaboration made this achievement possible.”
Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee, said Baxter Health’s recognition highlights its commitment to improving stroke care for patients in north central Arkansas despite the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers.
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