For the seventh consecutive year, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association awarded SAMC with the Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) Award for its achievement in stroke care.

The GWTG Gold Plus Award is an advanced level of recognition awarded to facilities that exhibit timely and consistent stroke care. SAMC received the award because of our precise and thorough efforts in providing care for stroke patients.

Ramona Johnson, SAMC Stroke Coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital.

“This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized research-based guidelines, based on the latest scientific evidence,” Johnson said. “The award assures that SAMC patients will receive the highest quality stroke care.”

SAMC is committed to providing its patients with the highest level of stroke care in a timely manner. More than 40 SAMC physicians and nursing personnel comprise the dedicated stroke committee. The team exists to deliver quality care for each patient resulting in better patient outcomes.

The Stroke Care Network is an innovative and effective system SAMC created that quickly diagnoses and treats stroke patients. The telemedicine based network was formed to provide quality stroke care in rural areas. Five community hospitals in the Dothan area, in conjunction with SAMC, use this service. They are Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula, Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp, Dale Medical Center in Ozark and Troy Regional Medical Center.

A patient exhibiting stroke symptoms at one of these facilities will be given access to a neurologist via telemedicine monitor. The neurologist will conduct a real-time video examination of the patient allowing them to diagnose and potentially prescribe life-saving medicine to the individual.

For more information on SAMC’s comprehensive stroke program, call 334-793-8107.