Fresno, Calif., August 11, 2026 — Nine hospitals across the Central Valley are being 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.  

Nationwide, more than 3,000 hospitals take part in these efforts, helping 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 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. 

“Heart disease and stroke remain leading health threats across the Central Valley,” said Megan Starr, American Heart Association – Central Valley executive director. “The hospitals recognized through the Get With The Guidelines program are helping ensure more people in the Central Valley receive evidence-based care when it matters most.”

Participation in Get With The Guidelines 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. 

In the Central Valley, these hospitals were recognized this year: 

Fresno County:

  • Clovis Community Medical Center
  • Community Regional Medical Center
  • Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Fresno
  • Saint Agnes Medical Center

Kings County:

  • Adventist Health Hanford

Merced County:

  • Mercy Medical Center Merced

Tulare County:

  • Kaweah Delta Health Care District
  • Sierra View Medical Center
  • Adventist Health Tulare

Learn more at heart.org/getwiththeguidelines. 

Additional Resources: 

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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. In the Central Valley, find the American Heart Association at heart.org/NorthernCalifornia or on Facebook, X and Instagram. 

For Media Inquiries:

Amber Moak, amber.moak@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org