Glasgow, KY - T.J. Samson Community Hospital has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines(R) - Stroke SilverPlus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

The release states stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts, according to T.J. Regional Health. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die, making early stroke detection and treatment highly important.

Get with The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program aiming to improve stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects or prevent death.

“T.J. Samson Community Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” stated Brandon Dickey, executive vice president – director of nursing. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in south central Kentucky can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by showing how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.