Columbus Community Hospital Earns National Recognition for Stroke Care

Columbus Community Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll — a national recognition highlighting the hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality stroke care, particularly for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

“This award represents years of consistent work from a dedicated, multidisciplinary team,” said Dr. Mark Howerter, the hospital’s chief medical officer. “It shows we’re providing stroke care that meets or exceeds national standards — not occasionally, but on a regular basis.”

The American Heart Association developed the Get With The Guidelines initiative to improve outcomes for patients who experience cardiovascular events. The Stroke Gold Plus designation indicates the hospital has met rigorous standards of care, including evidence-based treatment protocols and timely intervention. The additional recognition on the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll signifies specialized excellence in treating stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes — a population particularly vulnerable to complications and poor outcomes.

“People with Type 2 diabetes are not only more likely to suffer a stroke, but they tend to experience more severe complications,” said Howerter. “This recognition confirms that we’re not just aware of that — we’ve made it a priority to address it.”

Behind this achievement is a team of passionate professionals who work year-round to refine stroke protocols and improve outcomes. The hospital’s stroke committee — active for five years — includes doctors, nurses, radiologists, radiologic technologists, emergency responders and more. Their work spans the full continuum of care, from the first 911 call to discharge or transfer to a tertiary center.

“We’re constantly reviewing charts, looking at national best practices and asking ourselves, ‘What can we do better?’” said Howerter. “That’s how we’ve continued to improve care year after year.”

“One of our biggest obstacles is making sure the community understands the signs of stroke and acts fast,” said Howerter. “We’re doing great things inside the hospital and with emergency services — now we need to close the gap with public awareness.”

The hospital is currently working on community outreach initiatives to help people recognize stroke symptoms and seek care as quickly as possible. 

For more information about the stroke team and the services it offers, visit columbushosp.org or call 402-564-7118.