Cooley Dickinson Hospital Receives Stroke Award from American Heart Assoc.
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital has received a 2025 Get with the Guidelines quality achievement award from the American Heart Assoc. (AHA) for excellence in treatment of stroke. The honor was given with Gold Plus distinction, the highest level of the award given by the AHA.
The award recognizes Cooley Dickinson’s commitment to the association’s in-hospital program that ensures patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines.
“The Get with the Guidelines award is a true reflection of the dedication and effort of our entire team, who go above and beyond national guidelines to set their own high standards in stroke care,” said Dr. Sundeep Shukla, associate chief medical officer at Cooley Dickinson.
Ben Hogan, EMS and Stroke Program coordinator, added that “this achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to our stroke patients, and it honors the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our entire team. Achieving this level of recognition demonstrates that we consistently meet and exceed rigorous standards for treatment and outcomes. Thank you for all that you do each day to serve our patients and community.”
Stroke is the fifth-leading 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. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Cooley Dickinson for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the stroke system of care advisory group at the American Heart Assoc. and professor of Neurology and director of Fellowships of Neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get with the Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates — a win for healthcare systems, families, and communities.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the awards recognitions by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get with the Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their conditions at home.