Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has been recognized by the American Heart Association for its ongoing efforts in delivering high-quality care to patients with cardiovascular and stroke conditions. The hospital received the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus achievement award for the 15th consecutive year, covering 2010 through 2025. Additionally, SBUH earned the Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award for the seventh year in a row.
“This acknowledgment from the American Heart Association reflects the steadfast commitment of our medical teams to deliver outstanding care to our patients,” said Dr. William Wertheim, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine. “Being recognized consistently over the years reinforces our ongoing pursuit of excellence in cardiovascular and stroke treatment, and we take pride in the meaningful difference our work makes in our patient’s health and recovery.”
“Achieving these prestigious awards year after year is a testament to the tireless dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff who put patients first every day,” said Carol Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. “Each and every one of them plays an integral part in providing the kind of rapid and coordinated effort that has earned us these top honors.”
Stroke remains a significant health issue as it is among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Early detection and intervention are crucial for better outcomes. The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program helps hospitals align patient care with current research-based practices.
This year, SBUH also received distinctions including Target: Stroke℠ Elite Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy, and for five consecutive years (2021–2025), Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Honor Roll. These honors recognize SBUH’s Cerebrovascular & Comprehensive Stroke Center for its adherence to evidence-based stroke care.
The hospital reported faster-than-average treatment times for stroke patients and advanced therapies for those with large vessel occlusion strokes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes who experience heart failure, heart attack, or stroke at SBUH receive specialized attention focused on preventing disease progression through education, lifestyle interventions, quality improvement initiatives, and appropriate medication management.
Suffolk County residents benefit from Stony Brook’s Mobile Stroke Unit Program. This initiative collaborates with more than 40 emergency medical service agencies across over 40 communities to speed up diagnosis and early treatment before arrival at the hospital.
Regarding heart failure care, more than 6.7 million adults nationwide live with this condition—a figure projected to rise above 8 million by 2030 according to data from the American Heart Association (https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_failure.htm). While there is no cure for heart failure, many can manage their symptoms through medications or devices combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
The Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center at Stony Brook has maintained its recognition through national certifications since 2011—including Advanced Certification Award in Heart Failure and Ventricular Assist Device Certification from The Joint Commission—and a Five-Star Distinction from Healthgrades (https://www.healthgrades.com/hospital-directory/new-york-ny-long-island/stony-brook-university-hospital-hgstcfe6b6a6420003).
In resuscitation efforts, more than 300,000 people experience cardiac arrest annually while hospitalized in the U.S., making timely response critical for survival rates (https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/cardiac_arrest.htm). At SBUH, a dedicated Shock Team uses advanced mechanical support devices during emergencies as part of broader resuscitation protocols aligned with AHA guidelines.
“These awards show Stony Brook University Hospital’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Stony Brook University Hospital can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Stony Brook University Hospital serves as Long Island's only tertiary care center as well as its Regional Trauma Center. It houses several specialty institutes including heart disease treatment centers (https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sbuh).