Sentara hospitals recognized by the American Heart Association for life-saving stroke care

Sentara Health partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) eight years ago to ‘Get With The Guidelines’. The program’s mission is to consistently improve patient care using the latest research, guidelines, and measurement tools.

All twelve Sentara hospitals have been recognized with 2025 awards from the AHA for providing the highest quality stroke care to communities in Virginia and northeast North Carolina. Eleven received Gold Plus recognition for marked achievements in consistent adherence to the latest treatment protocols with positive patient outcomes for two consecutive calendar years. One was given a bronze award indicating those criteria were met in a calendar quarter. Vital measurements for screening techniques, treatment timeliness, education, and rehabilitation are just some of what is considered, and Sentara stroke care teams are honored year after year. 

“These outstanding awards reflect the hard work and dedication of an extended group for the treatment of stroke", said Alexander Grunsfeld, M.D., medical director of neurosciences and the Sentara stroke service line.

“From the first responders who work so hard to integrate into our workflows, to the emergency call operators, unit secretaries, triage, Emergency Department and inpatient nurses and providers, Telestroke and consulting neurologists, and our amazing stroke coordinators. The fact that every hospital received an award speaks to the unwavering commitment of Sentara leadership to resource and advocate for the highest quality stroke care in our communities.”

Sentara began using the ‘Get With The Guidelines” registry tool in 2017. It is an online, interactive assessment and reporting system that permits the tracking of hospital performance at delivering guidelines-based treatment.

The program also works to reduce gaps and eliminate disparities in care and has helped more than 13 million patients around the world since 1999. The AHA model is one more crucial weapon in our arsenal against stroke as we continue to fight this life-threatening medical condition.

Someone dies of a stroke every three minutes and 33 seconds in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Sentara’s devotion to changing that statistic and saving lives is steadfast. Our hospitals are among 4,800 nationwide that participate in the ‘Get With The Guidelines’ program, and our providers and nurses are proud to offer the highest quality, science-based care to every patient, every day.