The recognition reflects Erlanger's commitment to delivering rapid, evidence-based stroke care that improves survival and reduces disability. For patients and families, it means they can have confidence that stroke care at Erlanger is guided by nationally recognized best practices and the latest scientific evidence. 

Erlanger Baroness Hospital, the region's first comprehensive stroke center, has now earned the Get with the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus and Honor Roll Elite award for over a decade, demonstrating a sustained commitment to quality, innovation and exceptional patient outcomes.

Furthermore, for the last six consecutive years, Erlanger Baroness has received the prestigious Advanced Therapy award, a recognition that only the top comprehensive stroke facilities have the honor of achieving.

These recognitions are awarded only to hospitals that consistently meet rigorous national performance measures designed to improve speed and quality of life-saving stroke treatment such as delivering clot-busting medication and more advanced mechanical thrombectomy procedures.  The type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognizes excellence in providing evidence-based stroke care for patients with diabetes who often face higher complications and recurrent stroke. 

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our multidisciplinary stroke team and our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional stroke care, in our community," said Dr. Cleopatra Thurman, Stroke Program medical director. "These awards are a reflection of a culture of continuous quality improvement. By embracing evolving evidence, refining our systems of care and working together as one team, we strive to ensure every patient receives timely treatment when every minute counts."

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability, and supporting faster recovery. 

“We are proud to recognize Erlanger for its commitment to caring for people experiencing stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, 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.”