Adena Health recognized for advancing rural stroke care
By Jason Gilham
Director, Integrated Communications
Adena Health
CHILLICOTHE – When seconds matter, access to high-quality stroke care close to home can save lives.
The American Heart Association has recognized Adena Health for advancing stroke care and reducing gaps in rural health patient outcomes, with three of its hospitals earning Get With The Guidelines® awards:
Adena Regional Medical Center
Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Get With The Guidelines® - Rural Stroke Silver Award
Adena Greenfield Medical Center
Get With The Guidelines® - Rural Stroke Silver Award
Adena Pike Medical Center
Get With The Guidelines® - Rural Stroke Silver Award
“Earning recognition year after year for stroke care is a testament to the foundation that’s been created here, but our true goal is upward momentum,” said Birdie Henson, accreditation team lead. “By constantly refining our protocols and evolving our clinical workflows, Adena Health is ensuring that our stroke program doesn't just keep pace — it sets a higher benchmark for care with each passing year.”
According to the American Heart Association, people who live in rural communities face significant health disparities, including shorter life expectancy, a 40% greater likelihood of developing heart disease, and a 30% increased risk of stroke-related death. Programs like Get With The Guidelines® aim to close these gaps by supporting hospitals in delivering timely, evidence-based care.
The awards recognize hospitals consistently meeting rigorous standards for stroke treatment, including rapid diagnosis, coordinated emergency response, and adherence to best practices that improve patient outcomes.
Adena Regional Medical Center is designated as a primary stroke center, while Adena Greenfield Medical Center and Adena Pike Medical Center are certified acute stroke-ready hospitals — ensuring patients across the region have access to critical stroke care when and where they need it most.
“Patients and health care professionals in southern and south central Ohio face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH, chair of the American Health Association’s quality oversight committee and co-author of the association’s advisory on rural health. “Adena Health has advanced the important work of improving care for all people, regardless of where they live.”
Recognizing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate care can make all the difference. Symptoms may include sudden balance issues, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech.
To learn what causes a stroke, who is at risk, treatment and prevention options, and more, visit Adena.org/stroke.
••• Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 28 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service – and want it to continue – it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.