Essentia Hospitals Honored for Exceptional Stroke Care: Discover the Award-Winning Expertise!

At Essentia Health, we take stroke care seriously. Quick and effective treatment can save lives and help patients recover faster. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability. That’s why we’re proud to receive recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA) for our commitment to quality stroke care.

Essentia Health-Fargo, St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth all earned the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® — Stroke Gold Plus award. This honors our dedication to following research-based guidelines to provide the best treatment for stroke patients. Our efforts lead to better outcomes, fewer disabilities, and more lives saved.

Additionally, St. Joseph’s Medical Center was recognized with the Get With The Guidelines® — Rural Stroke Gold award, while St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior received the Bronze award. This highlights our focus on improving stroke care in rural areas, where residents are 30% more likely to die from strokes compared to urban populations.

Dr. Gratia Pitcher, Essentia’s chief medical officer, emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices. “The goal is to help our patients live longer, healthier lives, no matter where they are,” she said.

Our facilities also received praise from the AHA for providing optimal care to patients with Type 2 diabetes, as they face a higher risk of complications from strokes. Studies show that diabetes can double the likelihood of stroke, so using the best practices in care is essential.

Understanding strokes is crucial. A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or bursts. This deprives brain cells of oxygen, which can damage them. The saying “time is brain” reflects how important immediate treatment is. Every minute counts.

Dr. Steven Messe from the AHA said it best: “Participating in Get With The Guidelines leads to better patient outcomes and lower mortality rates. This is a win for everyone—healthcare systems, families, and communities.”

With ongoing advancements in stroke care, it’s essential to stay informed. For instance, emerging research shows that technology, such as telehealth, can significantly speed up diagnosis and treatment in stroke cases, improving outcomes even further. If you or someone you know may be at risk for stroke, understanding these developments can make a difference.

For more information about our award-winning stroke care, visit the [Essentia Health website](https://www.essentiahealth.org).

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