By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief—
MUNCIE, IN—IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs.
The programs help ensure patients receive care aligned with the most up‑to‑date, research‑based treatment guidelines.
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the 2026 American Heart Association 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report. These conditions require swift, proven treatment to achieve the best outcomes. Through Get With The Guidelines, hospitals use real‑time data, clinical best practices and performance feedback to improve adherence to evidence‑based care for conditions such as stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease.
“Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke or heart attack,” said Terri Ruff, chair of the American Heart Association’s Indianapolis board of directors. “High-quality care should be accessible to all, and sites awarded through the Get With The Guidelines program help work toward our shared vision of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
Participation in Get With The Guidelines program has been associated with better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality, and the program has also been shown to reduce disparities in care for several populations. Since its launch more than two decades ago, millions of patient records have contributed to registries that help drive research and real‑world improvements in cardiovascular care.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About IU Health
Indiana University Health is dedicated to offering highly-skilled, patient-centered care. Named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital in four specialties, IU Health Medical Center is the only academic medical center in the state. The distinctive partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – equips our highly-skilled physicians with access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.
