UC Davis Medical Center receives four awards for heart and stroke care from the American Heart Association

UC Davis Medical Center has received four Get With The Guidelines achievement awards from the American Heart Association.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest science-backed guidelines.

As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, UC Davis Health qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular and stroke care. These awards were based on data from Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec.31, 2025.

UC Davis Medical Center received the following achievement awards:

• Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes

Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI, or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, is a heart attack that happens when the heart doesn't get enough oxygen.

This award is earned by hospitals that provide rapid, research-based care to people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

UC Davis Health also received the American Heart Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. It is earned when a hospital ensures patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart attack.

• Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes

Coronary Artery Disease STEMI, or ST elevation myocardial infarction, is a serious heart attack caused by a completely blocked artery. It's the most dangerous kind.

The award is earned by hospitals that excel in treating people according to the most current, science-based guidelines for STEMI care, as outlined by the American Heart Association.

UC Davis Health also received the American Heart Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. It is given to hospitals that ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart attack.

• Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Heart Failure Optimal and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Heart failure is a long-term condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body. There's no cure, but people can still live well by following a care plan with their doctor. This may include medicine, monitoring symptoms and making healthy changes.

Hospitals receiving this award provide exceptional care according to the most current, evidence-based guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association.

UC Davis Health also received the Target: Heart Failure Optimal, for medication adherence, early follow-up care and coordination and enhanced patient education. The Optimal designation means the hospital has performed 50% or better for defect-free care.

The Medical Center additionally received the American Heart Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. It is earned when a hospital helps provide patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke.

• Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

A blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain causes a stroke. Quick treatment for a stroke can save lives, reduce disability and improve chances of a faster recovery.

To qualify for this recognition, hospitals are aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. In addition to following clinical treatment recommendations, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to help people manage their recovery and ongoing health at home.

UC Davis Health also received the American Heart Association's Target: Stroke Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient's arrival at the hospital and treatment with clot-busting IV medication.

In addition, the Medical Center received the American Heart Association's Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy award for specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient's arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot by inserting a device into the brain.

The hospital also received the American Heart Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. It is earned when patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.