Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Nationally Recognized for Stroke Care
The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Silver Plus award for
proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving
care.
Jackson, Tennessee (July 6, 2022) – Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (JMCGH) has
received the American Heart Association’s Silver Plus Get With The Guidelines ® – Stroke 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.
Stroke is the No. 5 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, so brain cells die. Early stroke
detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery
times.
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
research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for
improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the
long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
“Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the
latest treatment guidelines,” said Deann Thelen, CEO of JMCGH. “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 West Tennessee can
experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating 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.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Jackson-Madison County General Hospital for its commitment
to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care
Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient
outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and
communities.”
In addition, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital received the American Heart Association’s
Target: Stroke SM Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific
criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the
clot-buster alteplase.
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2
Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be
at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized
due to stroke.
About West Tennessee Healthcare:
West Tennessee Healthcare is a public, not-for-profit healthcare system with locations serving 19
counties in West Tennessee and Southeast Missouri. The mission of West Tennessee Healthcare is
to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve while providing exceptional and
compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wth.org.
