University of Utah Health is nationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in stroke care

The Stroke Center at University of Utah Health has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for demonstrating a multi-year commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, helping save lives, support recovery, and reduce hospital readmissions.

The Stroke Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Advanced Therapy awards for meeting tight criteria for fast treatment with clot-busting medications and mechanical clot removal in eligible patients.

“This is very important because the faster patients are treated, the less disability they experience from their stroke.” explained Jennifer Majersik, MD, MS, professor of neurology and director of the Stroke Center at University of Utah Health. “Achieving these awards requires an institution-wide focus on providing evidence-based care to every patient with stroke, every day.”

“These awards reflect University of Utah Health's commitment to caring for people in their community who need stroke care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, University of Utah Health can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes and lower mortality rates—a win for patients, families, and health care systems.”

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines.

When it comes to stroke, every minute matters. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can make a significant difference. Use the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. to help identify the warning signs:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden vision changes
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest science-backed guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, University of Utah Health qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular care.