Deborah Heart and Lung Center has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Get With The Guidelines^®-Heart Failure Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to managing heart failure in patients.

More than 6.5 million adults in the United States are living with heart failure. Many heart failure patients can lead a full, enjoyable life when their condition is managed with proper medications or devices and with healthy lifestyle changes.

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines founded in the latest scientific evidence. The goal is speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.

Each year program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for heart failure patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their heart failure once at home. There are six levels of achievement – Gold Plus, Gold, Silver Plus, Silver, Bronze and Participating.

“We are pleased to recognize Deborah Heart and Lung Center for its commitment to heart failure care,” said Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., MSc, MACC, FAHA, MACP, FHFSA, national chairperson of the American Heart Association Heart Failure systems of care advisory group and chief, division of cardiology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. “Hospitals that follow Get With The Guidelines protocols often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for healthcare systems, families and communities.”