Independence Health System has received national recognition for adhering to the highest standards for cardiovascular care.

The Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Lifeline achievement awards from the American Heart Association are awarded to facilities that demonstrate a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Four of the five Independence hospitals — Butler Memorial, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland — received Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Gold Plus Achievement Awards Clarion Hospital is not participating in the recognition program.

To be recognized each hospital must maintain an 85% or higher adherence to achievement measures indicated by the American Heart Association, and 75% or higher adherence with additional select quality measures in stroke for a minimum of two consecutive years. The four hospitals are repeat honorees in this category.

In addition, Butler Memorial received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll award, demonstrating the hospital met the criteria for reducing the time between a patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster alteplase. Butler Memorial also was recognized for receiving the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award for ensuring patients with Type 2 diabetes receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care.

“The hospitals of Independence Health System are committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Carol Fox, system Chief Medical Officer. “We are proud of the collaborative efforts, clinical skills and dedication that our teams have put into practice, ensuring patients experience longer, healthier lives.”