Nearly 5,000 Organizations Nationwide Recognized for Excellence in Cardiovascular Care

The American Heart Association has announced the recognition of 4,859 healthcare and emergency response organizations across the United States for their dedication to enhancing the quality of care for individuals suffering from heart disease, stroke, and related conditions. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, underscoring a growing commitment to combating cardiovascular diseases (CVD) through evidence-based treatment protocols.

These recognitions are part of the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® and other quality improvement initiatives, which aim to ensure that patient care is timely, consistent, and supported by the latest scientific research. The awards cover a range of conditions, including stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, cardiac arrest, Type 2 diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, with levels ranging from bronze to gold plus, based on the duration and quality of adherence to key treatment measures.

Among the highlights of this year's awards is the introduction of the Commitment to Quality award, bestowed upon 158 hospitals for their high performance across three or more clinical areas within the Get With The Guidelines program. This new award signifies a comprehensive approach to quality improvement in patient care, showcasing the hospitals' efforts to integrate the latest evidence-based practices into their treatment protocols.

Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee, emphasized the critical need for fast, coordinated, and scientifically grounded care in emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. The recognized organizations are leading the way in providing such care, offering patients the best possible chance for recovery and survival.

With over 14,500 awards distributed this year, and recipients spanning all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, the initiative reflects a nationwide effort to improve cardiovascular health outcomes. The American Heart Association's 2025 Statistical Update highlights the urgency of this mission, noting that heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, with someone experiencing a stroke or heart attack every 40 seconds.

The recognition of these organizations not only celebrates their achievements but also serves as a call to action for the healthcare industry to continue advancing in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. By adhering to treatment guidelines, healthcare providers can significantly improve patient recovery times, reduce complications, and decrease the likelihood of hospital readmissions.

For more information on the Get With The Guidelines program and to view the full list of award recipients, visit www.heart.org/quality.