All Ascension Illinois hospitals recognized for efforts to improve heart disease and stroke outcomes

Ascension Illinois is excited to announce that all of its hospitals have earned recognitions from the American Heart Association for their continued efforts in improving cardiac and stroke care for those across Chicagoland. This includes its campus in Chicago at Saint Joseph, in Elk Grove Village at Alexian Brothers and in Hoffman Estates at Saint Alexius.

This recognition is part of AHA's "Get with the Guidelines" initiative meant to utilize the wide expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to help ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. By earning a placement, AHA has indicated that Ascension Illinois works within these guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care.

"Meeting the ever-changing guidelines in the healthcare industry is the clearest way to ensure that our patients receive the safest and most effective care possible. The AHA's 'get with the guidelines' program is just one set of principles we adhere to at Ascension Illinois to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.," said Dr. David Bordo, Chief Clinical Officer at Ascension Illinois. "We are committed to providing Chicago and northwest suburban residents with advanced care right in their backyard."

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. These health crises require swift and proven treatment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, sets the standards for high-quality, science-based care and access that all patients deserve.

"Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke or heart attack," said Michele Bolles, American Heart Association senior vice president of quality, outcomes research and analytics. "High-quality care should be accessible to all, and sites awarded through the Get With The Guidelines program help work toward our shared vision of health and hope for everyone, everywhere."

Earlier this year Ascension Alexian Brothers was awarded a Gold Plus recognition through the "Get With The Guidelines" program, the highest level of distinction. The facility also earned an Honor Roll distinction as part of its Gold Plus status in its care involving patients with Type 2 diabetes.