Independence Health System Earns National Recognition for Commitment to High-Quality Heart and Stroke Care

GREENSBURG, Pa., July 30, 2025 — Independence Health System has once again earned national recognition for its dedication to exemplary stroke care. Butler Memorial, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals each received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive timely, evidence-based treatment aligned with nationally recognized guidelines — ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

To qualify for the Gold Plus award, hospitals must maintain an adherence rate of 85% or higher to all applicable achievement measures for at least two consecutive years. Frick Hospital also earned the Target: Stroke^SM Honor Rollaward by meeting a 75% or higher adherence rate to select quality measures that reduce the time between a patient’s arrival and administration of thrombolytic therapy. Butler Memorial and Westmoreland hospitals were further recognized with the Target: Stroke^SM Honor Roll Elite award, which acknowledges adherence rates of 85% or higher to these critical, time sensitive measures.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. 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, causing brain cells to die. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery. Independence Health System treats more than 1,000 stroke patients annually.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to improving patient outcomes by following the latest evidence-based guidelines and refining our processes to deliver timely, effective care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Michael Fiorina, DO, FAAFP, system chief medical officer. “This recognition reflects the exceptional collaboration, clinical expertise and dedication of our teams, who work every day to help our patients live longer, healthier lives — keeping expert care here in the communities we serve.”

Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke is an in-hospital program developed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to help hospitals consistently follow the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines. The program supports improved outcomes, reduced long-term effects and lower mortality rates for stroke patients.

Hospitals qualify for recognition by demonstrating a sustained commitment to providing quality care and by educating patients on how to manage their recovery and maintain long-term health.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Butler Memorial, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals for their commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association 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.”

Butler Memorial Hospital and Westmoreland Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award, recognizing their efforts to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes — who are at higher risk for complications — receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care for stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Westmoreland Hospital was further honored with the Mission: Lifeline® Regional award from the American Heart Association for its role in providing quality care to patients experiencing severe heart attacks. This award recognizes the hospital’s dedication to building a coordinated system of care in partnership with referring and receiving hospitals, as well as local EMS teams. By following the latest evidence-based guidelines, the program aims to eliminate barriers to timely heart attack treatment — from the moment a 911 call is placed through EMS transport, hospital care and discharge.

Independence Health System offers a comprehensive cardiovascular program — from medical management by noninvasive cardiologists to advanced procedures by interventional cardiologists and robotic-assisted surgeries performed by cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgeons. The program has earned national recognition from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its commitment to clinical excellence, shorter recovery times, and reduced risk of complications.

-30-

Independence Health System

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health

About Get With The Guidelines^®

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.