TJC Accredited
3 consecutive terms
(Tuesday, September 2, 2025; Dededo, Guam) — Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for its exceptional stroke care, earning the Get With The Guidelines® (GWTG)] Stroke Gold Plus Award along with the Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy recognitions for 2024 performance.
These awards highlight GRMC’s commitment to providing patients with the fastest, most effective treatments available for stroke — care that meets the same high standards as leading hospitals across the United States.
Why This Recognition Matters
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability and when a stroke occurs, every minute counts. Quick and accurate treatment can mean the difference between life, recovery, or lasting disability.
The three awards earned by GRMC demonstrate the following:
1. GWTG Gold Plus Award: For more than two years, GRMC has consistently followed the latest proven guidelines to ensure stroke patients get the right care at the right time.
2. Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy: GRMC’s Emergency Department provides thrombolytics (clot-busting medication) quickly after a patient arrives — an essential step to reduce brain damage and improve recovery chances.
3. Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy: GRMC’s Cath Lab team is recognized for its ability to perform advanced procedures to remove blood clots directly from the brain (thrombectomy) for patients with moderate or severe strokes.
“This achievement reflects the hard work of our physicians, nurses, and staff, and it reassures our patients that they can receive world-class stroke care right here at home,” said Elisabeth Collins, DNP, APRN-NP, Stroke Program Manager at GRMC.
In addition to the American Heart Association’s award, GRMC’s stroke program remains certified by The Joint Commission (TJC) as an “Advanced Primary Stroke Center,” the gold standard for healthcare organizations worldwide. This certification means that GRMC meets strict international standards for safety, quality, and patient care, ensuring that patients on Guam receive treatment that is on par with leading hospitals globally.
“Our goal is always to deliver the highest level of stroke care possible,” said Dr. Justin Hale, GRMC Stroke Director. “These awards show that our team’s skill and dedication are making a real difference for our patients. People on Guam can feel confident knowing that they have immediate access to advanced stroke treatment.”
Dr. Hale reminds the public that the first and most important step in saving a life from stroke often begins before the patient reaches the hospital. Friends, family, and bystanders play a vital role in spotting symptoms quickly and ensuring patients are brought immediately to GRMC, Guam’s designated Advanced Primary Stroke Center.
Dr. Hale encourages the community to learn and use the acronym “B.E.F.A.S.T.” to recognize stroke warning signs:
• B = Balance loss
• E = Eyes (sudden vision changes)
• F = Face drooping
• A = Arm weakness
• S = Speech difficulty
• T = Time to call 911
“If patients can get to our Emergency Department shortly after symptoms begin, we can act quickly with imaging and advanced procedures to restore blood flow,” Dr. Hale explained. “But stroke is extremely time-sensitive. It’s not something that can wait until your next doctor’s appointment. Recognizing the warning signs and calling 911 right away can make all the difference in survival and recovery.”
GRMC advises community members to talk with their primary care physician about stroke risk and prevention, and to check with their health insurance provider regarding coverage for specialized treatments.
For more information about GRMC’s Stroke Center and Neurology services, visit https://www.grmc.gu/neurology/ or follow @grmcguam on social media.