Guam Regional Medical City Earns Continued National Recognition for Stroke Care Excellence for 2026

Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

(Monday, July 27, 2026; Dededo, Guam) – Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) has earned the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association’s 2026 Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care and improving outcomes for patients experiencing stroke.

The award is based on GRMC’s performance data submitted to the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. The award also includes recognition for Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Advanced Therapy, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, reflecting excellence in rapid treatment, advanced stroke interventions, and specialized care for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program recognizes hospitals that consistently follow the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes. By adhering to these nationally recognized standards, hospitals help ensure stroke patients receive timely, effective treatment that can improve recovery and reduce disability.

As Guam’s only Joint Commission certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center, GRMC provides the highest level of stroke care available on island. The hospital’s multidisciplinary stroke team is specially trained to rapidly diagnose and treat stroke emergencies, offering advanced interventions, specialized neurological care, and coordinated rehabilitation services designed to help patients achieve the best possible recovery.

This award reflects GRMC’s continued commitment to advancing stroke care and strengthening access to specialized services for the Guam community. Through ongoing investments in clinical excellence, quality improvement initiatives, and advanced treatment capabilities, GRMC continues to provide patients with access to nationally recognized stroke care close to home.

Stroke continues to be a significant health concern in Guam, where chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes can increase an individual’s risk. Early recognition and rapid treatment remain critical to reducing disability, improving recovery, and helping patients return to their families and daily lives as quickly as possible.

This award reflects confidence that advanced stroke care is available when it matters most. By maintaining the rigorous standards required to earn this award, GRMC helps ensure that patients experiencing a stroke have access to timely, evidence-based treatment without the delays and challenges associated with seeking care off- island.

“Stroke care is constantly evolving, and maintaining this level of achievement requires a commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based treatment,” said Dr. Justin Hale, GRMC Stroke Director. “This award demonstrates our team’s dedication to providing patients with access to advanced stroke therapies and the highest standards of care available.”

“This award affirms our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for our community,” said Elisabeth Collins, DNP, APRN-NP, GRMC Stroke Program Manager. “Every quality metric achieved through the Get With The Guidelines® program represents a patient who received evidence-based treatment at the right time. That translates into better outcomes, improved recovery, and greater confidence for patients and families who trust us with their care.”

The 2026 Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award further reinforces GRMC’s role as a leader in stroke care throughout Guam and the region and highlights the hospital’s ongoing mission to improve health outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centered care.

For more information about GRMC’s services and providers, visit https://www.grmc.gu/services/

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For more information, please contact: Krystal ‘Krys’ Ramos

Marketing Communications & Analytics Specialist
Email: krystalmae.ramos@grmc.gu