Press release
TEXARKANA, TEXAS— Wadley Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines ® - Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke
Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring
stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based
guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. 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, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and
treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke
Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest researchand evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving
stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects
of a stroke and even prevent death.
“Wadley Regional Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment
guidelines,” says Dr. Khalid Malik, medical director of Wadley’s Stroke program. “Get With The Guidelines
makes it easier for our team to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies
show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in Texarkana and the
surrounding communities can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed
to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The
Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Wadley Regional Medical Center for its continued commitment to
caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the 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 but most especially for patients, families
and communities.
Wadley also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Target:
Type 2 Diabetes 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 due to stroke.
Additionally, Wadley received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award. To qualify
for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s
arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster alteplase.
“As Texarkana’s first designated Primary Stroke Center in 2008, our commitment and determination has not diminished,” says Sher Fomby, NP, Cardiovascular Program Director at Wadley. “We want our community to know that we continue to push forward in our efforts to provide effective, proven care to every stroke patient and we stand ready to care for you if you need it.” Sher encourages the community to be familiar with the symptoms of stroke because every minute counts. If symptoms occur, dial 911 immediately and do not wait for symptoms to get better.
For more information you may visit https://www.wadleyhealth.org/services-directory/stroke-services.