Southern Regional Medical Center Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Stroke Care and Diabetes HONOR ROLL
Riverdale, GA – Southern Regional Medical Center has been recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, highlighting the hospital’s proven commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for stroke and diabetic patients.
This prestigious award demonstrates Southern Regional’s dedication to ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized research and guidelines — ultimately improving survival rates, reducing disability, and enhancing recovery outcomes.
“Southern Regional is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Vikram Mandadi, MD, Cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Southern Regional. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our Stroke Team to implement proven best practices, helping our community live longer, healthier lives.”
Why This Matters
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a major cause of long-term disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot or a ruptured vessel, leading to the death of brain cells. Early detection and prompt treatment are critical to minimizing the lasting impact of a stroke.
The Get With The Guidelines – Stroke program is an in-hospital initiative from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association aimed at improving stroke care by promoting consistent use of evidence-based clinical practices.
“Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families, and communities,” said Steven Messe, M.D., Volunteer Chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group.
Additional Honors for Southern Regional
In addition to the Gold Plus award, Southern Regional also earned:
• Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Award – for meeting aggressive timelines in delivering alteplase, a clot-busting treatment, to eligible stroke patients.
• Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award – for providing specialized care to stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes, who are at increased risk for complications.
Southern Regional was also awarded the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification evidence of ongoing excellence in advanced stroke care.