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Published on July 21, 2026

Cone Health Hospitals Earn National Recognition for Dedication to High-Quality Stroke Care

Four Cone Health hospitals received 2026 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® awards, reflecting a commitment to delivering advanced stroke care close to home.

Key facts:

  • Four Cone Health hospitals are recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to excellent stroke care.
  • Get With the Guidelines awards recognize organizations that use the latest, up-to-date treatments for stroke.
  • Using the latest guidelines means proven, life-saving care.

What’s new: Four Cone Health hospitals have earned 2026 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® awards for delivering high-quality stroke care based on the latest science. The honors recognize sustained commitment to excellence in helping stroke patients receive rapid diagnosis, treatment and recovery support. Awards were presented to Alamance Regional Medical Center, Annie Penn Hospital, The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital and Wesley Long Hospital.

Why it matters: Every minute counts during a stroke. North Carolina remains part of the nation's Stroke Belt, where stroke rates are higher than much of the country. Cone Health cared for 3,249 stroke patients last year. More than one-third of stroke hospitalizations in North Carolina occur in people younger than 65. These awards show people can find nationally recognized stroke care close to home throughout the Cone Health network.

"Excellent stroke care should never depend on where you live," said Dr. Pramod Sethi, medical director of the Cone Health stroke program. "These awards reflect the dedication of our teams to provide fast, evidence-based care across our communities so patients can get the treatment they need close to home."

Here are the 2026 awards by hospital:

Alamance Regional Medical Center

 

Annie Penn Hospital

 

Moses Cone Hospital

 

Wesley Long Hospital

 

 

 

 

 
  • Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus
  • Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite
  • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

 
  • Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus
  • Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite
  • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
  • Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold

 
  • Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus
  • Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus
  • Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy
  • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

 
  • Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus
  • Target: Stroke Honor Roll

 

2026 Get With The Guidelines® Awards: The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® program helps hospitals consistently deliver care based on the latest scientific evidence. Participation is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.

Stroke Care Is Closer Than You Think: Stroke treatment is most effective when patients receive care quickly. Cone Health's award-winning hospitals are as close as a patient's nearest Cone Health hospital. Moses Cone Hospital operates as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Alamance Regional Medical Center as a Primary Stroke Center and Annie Penn Hospital as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.

Know the Signs of Stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T.

B – Balance loss
E – Eye or vision changes
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Seeking emergency care quickly improves survival and recovery.

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