Santa Rosa Medical Center and North Okaloosa Medical Center Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Excellence in Stroke Care

6/30/2026

MILTON & CRESTVIEW, FL - June 30, 2026 - North Okaloosa Medical Center and Santa Rosa Medical Center have both been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care.

Santa Rosa Medical Center received the Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD PLUS with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll for the second consecutive year, reflecting its sustained excellence in stroke treatment and patient outcomes. North Okaloosa Medical Center earned the Get With the Guidelines - Stroke Silver Plus Achievement Award, along with the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. This marks the first time NOMC has received this national recognition, highlighting a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to clinical excellence.

Get With The Guidelines brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into 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 designed to improve stroke care through consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects of stroke and help prevent death.

Each year, participating hospitals qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality stroke care. In addition to following clinical treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to help people manage their recovery and ongoing health at home.

“Achieving this recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our clinical team who work tirelessly to provide timely, life-saving care to stroke patients,” said Mike Nordness, market CEO. “For North Okaloosa Medical Center, this first-time achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work and focus on delivering advanced stroke care close to home. Santa Rosa Medical Center continues to set the standard with consistent, high-quality outcomes year after year.”

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 a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability and supporting faster recovery.

“This recognition underscores our shared commitment across both hospitals to delivering exceptional care for patients across the Florida Panhandle,” said Nordness. “We are incredibly proud of our teams for achieving this important honor and for the impact they make in the communities we serve every day.”

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