WHITEVILLE — Columbus Regional Healthcare System has earned top national recognition for its stroke care, receiving the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus award for 2026. The honor highlights hospitals that consistently deliver fast, evidence‑based treatment proven to improve survival and reduce long‑term disability.
The American Heart Association reports stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in the United States. Because a stroke cuts off blood and oxygen to the brain, rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical. The Get With The Guidelines program helps hospitals apply the latest research directly to patient care.
“Columbus Regional Healthcare System is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Chief Nursing Officer Megan Sargent. “Get With The Guidelines helps our teams put proven science into practice every day.”
Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group, said participation in the program is linked to better outcomes, including more patients returning home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.
Along with the Gold Plus award, Columbus Regional received two additional honors:
— Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, recognizing hospitals that meet strict standards for reducing the time between a stroke patient’s arrival and treatment with clot‑busting medication.
— Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, awarded to hospitals that ensure stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes receive the most up‑to‑date, evidence‑based care.
These recognitions place Columbus Regional among a select group of hospitals nationwide meeting the American Heart Association’s highest benchmarks for stroke treatment.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved
Be the first to comment