Four WMCHealth Hospitals Earn National American Heart Association Recognition for Stroke Care Excellence

Awards highlight strength of WMCHealth's regional stroke network, which provides rapid access to specialized stroke expertise for patients across the Hudson Valley .

VALHALLA, NY - (August 19, 2026) - Four Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) hospitals have earned national recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA) for delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care to patients across the Hudson Valley. Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston and Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern each received the Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke Gold Plus award, one of the AHA's highest distinctions for hospitals that meet rigorous standards for timely stroke diagnosis and treatment.

"Every second matters in stroke care, and this recognition reflects the commitment of WMCHealth's clinical teams to get patients the right care as quickly as possible," said Ji Chong, MD, Chief, Cerebrovascular Neurology Section, and Medical Director of Stroke at WMCHealth. "As the region's only academic health system, WMCHealth is uniquely positioned to deliver advanced stroke expertise across urban, suburban and rural communities. Through our stroke network, more patients across the Hudson Valley can access rapid evaluation and specialized care closer to home."

The 2026 awards, based on performance data from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, also include Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll distinctions. These honors recognize hospitals that meet key benchmarks for fast treatment and evidence-based care for patients who may face a higher risk of stroke-related complications.

Together, the four hospitals are part of the WMCHealth Stroke Network, a regional system designed to bring academic medical center-level expertise to patients wherever they live.

The Stroke Network has delivered measurable results. Since joining the WMCHealth Stroke Network in October 2021, HealthAlliance Hospital has shown sustained improvement in the delivery of IV thrombolytic therapy, supported by standardized protocols and around-the-clock access to stroke specialists. Similarly, Good Samaritan Hospital joined the Stroke Network in April 2025 and, with access to the same telestroke support, has since more than doubled thrombolysis treatments for stroke patients.

What began as a single Comprehensive Stroke Center has grown into one of New York State's most comprehensive regional stroke systems, connecting seven hospitals across the Hudson Valley through telestroke services, standardized protocols and coordinated specialty care. In 2025, more than 3,100 patients received expert stroke consultation across the network, a 43 percent increase over three years.

Get With The Guidelines^® - Stroke is an in-hospital program that helps hospitals improve stroke care by consistently following the latest research-based guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. These guidelines are designed to reduce the long-term effects of stroke, improve recovery and help prevent death.

Leading Advanced Stroke Care Across the Hudson Valley

WMCHealth's Stroke Network includes the full continuum of stroke capabilities. Westchester Medical Center is certified by New York State as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest stroke care designation in the state, and earlier this year, received a three-year recertification. MidHudson Regional Hospital is designated as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, while HealthAlliance Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital are designated as Primary Stroke Centers by the New York State Department of Health.

WMCHealth also provides 24/7 neuroendovascular and neurointerventional services, neurocritical care, neurosurgery and vascular neurology, helping ensure that patients with complex stroke needs have access to advanced care when time matters most.

In addition to clinical care, WMCHealth supports stroke education and prevention across the region. Through its long-term Academic Affiliation Agreement with New York Medical College, WMCHealth hosts stroke-focused professional education for clinicians and participates in community education initiatives.

For more information, community members and providers are encouraged to visit the WMCHealth website or call 914.449.4880 to request an appointment or refer a patient.

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