Munson Medical Center (MMC) has earned three national stroke care honors from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, including the Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Award and Rural Stroke Gold for a third consecutive year while capturing Stroke Gold Plus Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite status for the 13th consecutive year.
These national recognitions highlight MMC’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care and ensuring patients receive consistent treatment that meets nationally recognized standards. The awards reflect Munson Medical Center’s success in treating 85 percent of eligible stroke patients within 60 minutes of arrival—an important benchmark associated with improved outcomes and reduced disability.
The Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Award recognizes hospitals that provide rapid access to advanced stroke interventions, including mechanical thrombectomy for patients experiencing severe ischemic strokes caused by large vessel blockages. Earning this designation for the third consecutive year reflects Munson Medical Center’s continued investment in advanced stroke capabilities and its ability to provide specialized treatment close to home for patients across northern Michigan.
As the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in northern Michigan, Munson Medical Center offers around-the-clock access to specialized stroke experts, advanced imaging, and life-saving interventions that can significantly improve outcomes for patients experiencing the most severe strokes.
Together, these awards underscore MMC’s dedication to delivering coordinated, patient-centered stroke care—from emergency evaluation and treatment through recovery planning—helping patients receive the right care at the right time when every minute matters.
“Receiving this recognition for the 13th consecutive with the addition of the advanced therapy award for the last three years demonstrates our continued evolution toward providing the most advanced level of care that is possible,” said Gary Rajah, M.D., Surgical Director and Endovascular Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon. “This achievement reflects the expertise, dedication, and collaboration of our entire stroke team. From emergency responders and nurses to physicians, radiologists, therapists, and support staff, every team member plays a critical role in helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes.”
To achieve the Gold Plus Award, hospitals must meet rigorous quality measures related to diagnosing and treating stroke patients. At Munson Medical Center, that commitment extends beyond emergency care. Prior to discharge, patients receive education on stroke prevention and recovery, support for managing risk factors, scheduled follow-up care, and other services designed to support a successful recovery.
The award is based on care provided to 1,240 stroke patients in 2025.
“These recognitions demonstrate the strength of a highly coordinated system of care that spans the entire patient journey,” said Brent Flusty, Vascular and Interventional Neurologist, Medical Director of Stroke for Munson Healthcare. “Our focus remains on providing the right treatment at the right time for every patient and ensuring every patient has access to fast, evidence-based treatment as close to home as possible.”
Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
“Patients and health care professionals in northern Michigan face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author on the Association’s advisory on rural health. “Munson Healthcare’s Witham Family Comprehensive Stroke Program has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”
For more information about Munson Healthcare’s stroke program, visit munsonhealthcare.org/stroke.