Iowa Methodist Earns AHA Stroke Gold Plus Award
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. The award recognizes hospitals that consistently follow evidence-based guidelines to decrease disability and improve quality of life for patients following a stroke.
Get With The Guidelines – Stroke helps hospitals apply the latest research and evidence-based practices from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association to patient care and education. Participating hospitals demonstrate a commitment to improving patient outcomes, reducing disability and supporting recovery both in the hospital and after discharge.
Iowa Methodist is one of 10 UnityPoint Health hospitals to be nationally recognized. It is a Primary Stroke Center with local Neurology specialists providing in-person care. In 2025, Iowa Methodist treated nearly 500 stroke patients with an average door-to-treatment time at 51 minutes.
“We’re proud to have 10 of our hospitals nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care,” said Wendy Woods-Swafford, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Chief Medical Officer. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our care teams who work every day to deliver timely, evidence-based stroke care. Their commitment helps patients receive outcome-driven treatment, improving recovery and quality of life after a stroke.”
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate treatment can significantly improve outcomes. The American Stroke Association recommends remembering the acronym FAST – if you notice Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Stroke Symptoms, Warning Signs and Treatment: https://www.unitypoint.org/find-a-service/neurology-and-neurosurgical-care/stroke.