MOULTRIE, GA — The Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that consistently follow the latest research-based guidelines for stroke treatment, helping ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care that improves survival, reduces disability, and enhances recovery. The Rural Silver Recognition honors hospitals that demonstrate excellence in acute stroke care while addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities.
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel, preventing oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Because brain cells begin to die within minutes, rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to improving outcomes.
“We are honored to receive both the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Achievement Award and the Rural Silver Recognition from the American Heart Association,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney. “These recognitions reflect the dedication of our physicians, nurses, emergency department staff, EMS partners, and multidisciplinary stroke team who work together every day to provide timely, evidence-based care. Whether a patient lives in Moultrie or one of the many rural communities we serve, our goal is to ensure patients throughout South Georgia have access to exceptional stroke care where and when they need it most.”
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke program helps hospitals nationwide align patient care with the latest scientific research and nationally recognized treatment guidelines. Participating hospitals continually evaluate and improve their performance in key areas of stroke care, including rapid diagnosis and treatment, brain imaging, emergency medical services communication, stroke assessment documentation, dysphagia screening, patient education, discharge planning, and consultation with stroke specialists.
The Rural Recognition program further acknowledges hospitals that meet rigorous performance standards while overcoming the unique challenges often associated with providing healthcare in rural communities, including longer transportation times and limited access to specialized services.
In addition to providing evidence-based treatment, Colquitt Regional educates stroke patients and their families on recovery, reducing future stroke risk, and managing their health after leaving the hospital. The health system also continues to invest in advanced technology, physician expertise, emergency services, and clinical training to strengthen stroke care across the region.
“Receiving these recognitions demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest standard of stroke care for the communities we serve,” said Hospital Authority Chairman John Griffin. “From rapid emergency response to advanced treatment and patient education, our clinical teams are dedicated to ensuring patients receive exceptional care when every minute matters. These awards reinforce our commitment to improving health outcomes while expanding access to specialized care throughout South Georgia.”
Together, these recognitions highlight Colquitt Regional’s ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and expanding access to high-quality stroke care for the communities of South Georgia.
For more information about stroke and emergency services at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, please contact the marketing department at 229-890-3552.
