FirstHealth Hospitals Earns National Recognition for Stroke Care

PINEHURST, N.C. - FirstHealth hospitals have again earned stroke care awards from the American Heart Association for demonstrated commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most comprehensive, appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines designed to improve outcomes.

2026 Stroke Care Awards and Certifications

In 2026, FirstHealth's four hospitals have earned the following awards for stroke care:

Moore Regional Hospital

• DNV Healthcare USA Inc. Primary Stroke Center Certification
• AHA Get with the Guidelines - Stroke 2026 Gold Plus Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• AHA Get with the Guidelines - Rural Stroke 2026 GOLD

Moore Regional Hospital - Richmond

• DNV Healthcare USA Inc. Acute Stroke Ready Certification
• AHA Get with the Guidelines - Stroke 2026 Gold Plus Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite; Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• AHA Get with the Guidelines - Rural Stroke 2026 SILVER

Moore Regional Hospital - Hoke

• DNV Healthcare USA Inc. Acute Stroke Ready Certification
• AHA Get with the Guidelines - Stroke 2026 BRONZE Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite

Montgomery Memorial Hospital

• DNV Healthcare USA Inc. Acute Stroke Ready Certification
• AHA Get with the Guidelines - Rural Stroke 2026 GOLD

Why Stroke Care Quality Matters

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report.

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.

"We are extremely proud that our team at FirstHealth is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people in our region who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of both recovery and survival," said Melanie Blacker, M.D., FirstHealth's stroke program director.

"Rural communities deserve high-quality stroke care, and we are committed to delivering it to anyone who comes through the doors of our hospitals."

Recognize the Signs of Stroke

Stroke Symptoms You Should Know

BE FAST to recognize the signs of stroke:

B - Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or difficulty walking?
E - Eyes: Is there sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes?
F - Face: Is there suddenly an uneven smile or drooping of one side of the face?
A - Arms: Is there a sudden weakness, downward drift or numbness of one arm?
S - Speech: Is the speech suddenly slurred or garbled? Is the person able to repeat the sentence, 'Today is a sunny day?'
T - Time: Call 911 quickly if one or more of these signs are present.

Stroke Care at FirstHealth

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is dedicated to the evaluation, treatment and prevention of ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. Through an interdisciplinary team approach, FirstHealth works toward determining the etiology and correct emergency treatment, as well as follow up care to achieve the best clinical outcomes. FirstHealth of the Carolinas is devoted to providing evidence-based quality stroke patient care to its local population of retirement communities and our state's distinct "Stroke Belt" population.

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.