Providence Alaska Medical Center nationally recognized for commitment to providing high-quality stroke care

‘Get With The Guidelines’ award shows hospital’s dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — For the 11th consecutive year, Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC) has been recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get With The Guidelines Quality Achievement Award.  

The hospital was awarded the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. 

The American Heart Association has recognized PAMC for its high-quality cardiovascular care more than any other treatment center in Alaska.  

"We are deeply honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for the 11th straight year, which underscores the dedication of our caregivers and physicians to providing high-quality, compassionate care for Alaskans experiencing a stroke," said Kristen Solana Walkinshaw, M.D., chief medical officer at PAMC. "This award highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring our patients receive exceptional care, utilizing the most up-to-date guidelines and technology available." 

On March 6, 2025, DNV certified PAMC as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), reflecting the highest level of stroke care certification a hospital can achieve.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. 

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 research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. 

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

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About Providence Alaska Medical Center
Providence Alaska Medical Center, a nationally recognized trauma center and Alaska’s only Magnet hospital, is part of Providence, a not-for-profit network of hospitals, care centers, health plans, physicians, clinics, home health services, affiliated services and educational facilities. For more information, visit providence.org/locations/ak/alaska-medical-center.

 About Get With The Guidelines
Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

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