Mega Doctor News
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Affecting more than 795,000 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability nationwide.
A stroke can happen in an instant, but rapid recognition and treatment can have a lasting impact, reducing disability, improving recovery and saving lives.
When it comes to stroke care, following proven treatment guidelines can make all the difference. Developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA), these evidence-based recommendations help healthcare teams provide the highest standard of care, leading to better outcomes, fewer complications and improved recovery for patients.
In the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System (STHS) Edinburg, designated as a Primary (Level III) Stroke Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services, has earned national recognition for its dedication to delivering exceptional, evidence-based stroke care.
As a member of the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute, the largest integrated stroke care network in the four-county region, STHS Edinburg has received the AHA and ASA’s Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke GOLD PLUS Quality Achievement Award.
The prestigious recognition is awarded to hospitals that consistently adhere to the latest research-based treatment guidelines, demonstrating a commitment to clinical excellence and continuous quality improvement in stroke care. Hospitals recognized through the program help improve patient outcomes, save lives, reduce recovery times and decrease hospital readmissions.
“At STHS Edinburg, our focus is on ensuring every stroke patient receives the highest standard of care from the moment they arrive,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “Earning this recognition demonstrates our team’s commitment to utilizing the latest evidence-based practices to improve outcomes, reduce complications and help patients return to their families and daily lives as quickly as possible.”
Recognition through the Get With The Guidelines program is reserved for hospitals that consistently demonstrate excellence in stroke care. Beyond implementing the latest evidence-based treatments, participating facilities help patients take an active role in their recovery by providing education and support aimed at promoting healthier outcomes long after discharge.
“We are proud to recognize STHS Edinburg for its commitment to caring for people experiencing 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, including greater likelihood of being discharged home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a meaningful benefit for health care systems, families and communities.”
After receiving the Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Silver Award in 2025, STHS Edinburg elevated its performance to earn GOLD PLUS status this year, underscoring its commitment to continuous quality improvement and exceptional stroke care.
The hospital also received the AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award for the second consecutive year, reflecting its ongoing dedication to providing specialized, evidence-based care for stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes, a population that faces an increased risk of stroke-related complications.
“This recognition belongs to the dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to care for our patients,” said Lance Ames. “Their commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care helps ensure Rio Grande Valley residents have access to the advanced stroke services they need close to home.”
To learn more about STHS Edinburg’s award-winning stroke care services and commitment to improving patient outcomes, visit www.southtexashealthsystemedinburg.com.
