Clay Reporter

NKC Health has received the highest level of recognition from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for its participation in the Get With the Guidelines quality improvement registry. This marks the third consecutive year that NKC Health has earned this distinction, highlighting its ongoing efforts to provide quality care for patients with heart failure, stroke, and those requiring resuscitation.

The awards underscore NKC Health’s approach to patient care, which includes not only following evidence-based clinical guidelines but also providing resources for patients to manage their health and recovery at home.

“We’re driven every day to make a difference and elevate patient care in our community,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of NKC Health. “To be recognized year over year by the American Heart Association is a testament to our team and our unwavering efforts to improve patient outcomes.”

Among the seven awards presented to NKC Health are a fourth consecutive Gold Plus award for stroke care and a third consecutive Gold Plus award for heart failure. Other recognitions include:

- Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure Gold Plus, which acknowledges hospitals that treat heart failure patients using up-to-date guidelines aimed at reducing readmissions.

- Target: Heart Failure℠ Optimal award, given to hospitals meeting standards in medication management, follow-up care, education, and long-term health support.

- Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Honor Roll for both heart failure and stroke care, recognizing facilities that provide evidence-based treatment for patients with Type 2 diabetes who are hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke.

- Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus for ensuring stroke patients receive appropriate treatment based on national research-backed protocols.

- Target: Stroke℠ Honor Roll Elite Plus awarded to hospitals adhering strictly to time-sensitive thrombolytic treatment procedures.

- Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation Bronze award recognizing commitment to improving survival rates from in-hospital cardiac arrest through evidence-based practices.

These distinctions reflect national standards set by organizations such as the American Heart Association that aim to enhance outcomes for cardiovascular conditions across healthcare systems (https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines).