Recipient of this top award for high-quality stroke care, 13 years in a row.
This year marks the 13th consecutive year that Stony Brook University Hospital (2010-23) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award. And for its sister hospital, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, it marks the 10th year (2014-2023) that it has received the Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award. The awards recognize Stony Brook’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients, meaning reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.
"Stony Brook Medicine is immensely proud to be recognized once again by the American Heart Association for our unwavering commitment to exceptional stroke care," said Hal Paz, MD, MS, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, Stony Brook University, and Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Medicine. "This accolade reaffirms our dedication to providing the highest quality of treatment and serves as a testament to the relentless efforts of our healthcare professionals who prioritize the well-being of our patients above all else."
Most advanced level of stroke recognition
The Stroke Gold Plus level is the most advanced level of recognition awarded by the American Heart Association, which includes the American Stroke Association, to help ensure that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. This ultimately leads to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke — which occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts and part of the brain can’t get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die —is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of a stroke and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
This year’s Gold Plus achievement earned by Stony Brook University Hospital comes with the added distinctions of Target: Stroke℠ Elite Honor Roll for the sixth time; Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll for the second time (2020, 2023); and Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Honor Roll for the third time (2021, 2022, 2023).
For more information about stroke care at SBUH, visit https://neuro.stonybrookmedicine.edu/centers/cvsc.