Norton Healthcare nationally recognized for commitment to providing high-quality cardiovascular and stroke care

American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines awards for proven dedication to best practices and lifesaving care

Author: Norton Healthcare

Published: August 21, 2025

Norton Healthcare has received American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association 2025 Statistical Update. Kentucky and Indiana are part of the ‘Stroke Belt’ with higher rates of mortality for stroke and heart disease. Norton healthcare is committed to supporting our community in prevention, treatment and recovery of these conditions. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Brownsboro Hospital Norton Hospital, and Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital qualified for the awards by demonstrating how they are committed to improving quality care.

“Norton Healthcare is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and stroke,” said Steven Hester M.D., MBA,senior system vice president and strategy officer, Norton Healthcare. “Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in Louisville and Southern Indiana experience longer, healthier lives.”

This year, Norton Healthcare facilities received these achievement awards:

  • Norton Audubon Hospital
    • Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus
    • Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Bronze with Target: Stroke Honor Roll 
  • Norton Brownsboro Hospital
    • Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus
    • Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite with Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
  • Norton Hospital
    • Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Silver Plus
    • Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
  • Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital
    • Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Bronze

“These awards show Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president, American Heart Association, and current volunteer chair, American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”