American Heart Association recognizes NKC Health

NKC Health is proud to announce for the third consecutive year, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have awarded it the highest level of recognition for participating in their quality improvement registry, Get With the Guidelines®.

The awards reflect NKC Health’s commitment to providing quality care for heart failure, stroke and resuscitation patients, grounded in the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. This care extends beyond clinical settings by equipping patients with resources to learn about their health and manage their 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 NKC Health’s seven awards is a fourth consecutive Gold Plus award for stroke care and a third consecutive Gold Plus award for heart failure.

Heart Failure Awards

1. Get With the Guidelines®-Heart Failure Gold Plus. For the determination and focus to treat patients with heart failure with the most up-to-date American Heart Association guidelines and improve patient outcomes through reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.
2. Target: Heart Failure℠ Optimal. This award honors hospitals that meet standards to help patients manage their condition through proper medication use, timely follow-up care and education, reducing readmissions and supporting better long-term health.
3. Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Honor Roll. This award 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 because of heart disease or stroke.

Stroke Awards

1. Get With the Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus. For commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reducing disability
2. Target: Stroke℠ Honor Roll Elite Plus. Given to hospitals that follow strict guidelines to shorten the time from when a patient arrives to when they receive thrombolytic treatment.
3. Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Honor Roll. This award highlights hospitals that give patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, the best evidence-based care backed by the latest research when they’re admitted for a stroke.

Resuscitation Award

1. Get With The Guidelines®-Resuscitation Bronze. The award recognizes a strong commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, improving survival rates through proven, evidence-based care.

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.

About NKC Health

For nearly 70 years, NKC Health, formerly known as North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health, has worked to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across our region. As NKC Health, we keep that promise every day by bringing innovative, comprehensive care that’s always delivered with kindness. With more than 4,700 staff members — including over 600 dedicated physicians — along with specialists and caregivers across 35 locations and counting, we offer everything you need to live your healthiest life. We can’t wait to welcome you. For more information, visit nkchealth.org.