FRANKFORT, Ky. — Frankfort Regional Medical Center, a part of HCA Healthcare, has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus award and Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold award. These awards recognize Frankfort Regional’s use of nationally recognized treatment guidelines designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce disability and save lives.
“Sabrina Reed and everyone here at Frankfort Reginal have done a tremendous job building up our stroke program,” said Dr. Kevin O’Connor, stroke medical director for Frankfort Regional Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center. “Thanks to them and our partners at the University of Kentucky, we can provide the best stroke care to our community.”
In addition to the stroke awards, Frankfort Regional received the American Heart Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award and Target: Stroke™ Honor Roll Elite Plus award. The honors recognize the hospital's commitment to evidence-based stroke care, including specialized care for patients with Type 2 diabetes and timely treatment that follows nationally recognized guidelines.
“Behind this recognition are patients and families who depend on us during one of the most frightening moments of their lives,” said John Ballard, chief executive officer of Frankfort Regional Medical Center. “Our teams are prepared to act quickly, follow proven treatment guidelines and provide the high-quality care each patient needs. This award reflects their dedication to giving people in our community the best possible chance at recovery.”
Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Early recognition and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival and reducing long-term disability.