Harrison Medical Center recently earned the American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Bronze Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes Harrison’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations, according to a Wednesday statement from the medical center.

“We commend Harrison for its success in implementing standards of care and protocols,” said Lee H. Schwamm, chair of the national Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital. “These care standards as well as education help prevent recurrent stroke and are critical steps in saving lives and improving outcomes for stroke patients.”

Harrison treats more than 650 stroke patients each year and with regional and state-level healthcare partners, has a specific action plan to foster effective treatment and recovery.

Heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in Washington state. Genetic history and lifestyle factors can contribute to the risk of stroke.