Hartford-Area Hospital Earns National Recognition For Stroke Care

HARTFORD, CT — A prominent Hartford hospital facility was recently honored for its work treating those suffering from stroke.

Saint Francis Hospital has earned national recognition from the American Heart Association for its commitment to providing evidence-based stroke care.

The Hartford hospital received the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Elite Quality Achievement Award, recognizing its adherence to the latest research-based guidelines for treating stroke patients. The hospital also earned the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award.

The American Heart Association said the awards recognize hospitals that consistently follow proven clinical guidelines designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions and support recovery after a stroke.

According to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report, stroke is the nation's fourth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical because strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clot or ruptured blood vessel.

"Saint Francis Hospital is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines for heart failure and strokes," said Dr. Robert Roose, president of Saint Francis Hospital. "Get With The Guidelines helps our teams put proven science into practice every day. Research shows this approach can support better recovery, with the ultimate goal of helping people live longer, healthier lives."

The Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program helps hospitals align patient care with the latest evidence-based recommendations from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Participating hospitals also provide education to help patients manage their recovery after leaving the hospital.

In addition to its stroke care recognition, Saint Francis received the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award, which recognizes hospitals that provide evidence-based care for stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes, a group that may face a higher risk of complications.

"We are proud to recognize Saint Francis Hospital for their 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."

Saint Francis Hospital, founded in 1897, is a 617-bed Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital. It is part of Trinity Health of New England and is the largest Catholic hospital in New England.