10 UnityPoint Health Hospitals Earn National Recognition for Excellence in Stroke Care
Jul 28, 2026UnityPoint Health® is proud to announce that 10 of its hospitals received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke quality achievement awards for 2026. The award recognizes hospitals that consistently follow evidence-based guidelines to decrease disability and improve quality of life for patients following a stroke.
The UnityPoint Health hospitals recognized include:
- UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital, Waterloo, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital, Madison, Wis.: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s – Downtown, Sioux City, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital - Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s - Sioux City, Sioux City, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Bettendorf, Bettendorf, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine Hospital, Muscatine, Iowa: Rural Stroke Gold
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge, Iowa: Gold Plus
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Ill.: Silver Plus
“We’re proud to have 10 of our hospitals nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care,” said Gregory Johnson, MD, UnityPoint Health 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 the right treatment quickly, improving recovery and quality of life after 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 stroke care. Participating hospitals demonstrate a commitment to improving patient outcomes, reducing disability and supporting recovery both in the hospital and after discharge.
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.
“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 the right treatment quickly, improving recovery and quality of life after a stroke.”
