For the tenth consecutive year, the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton’s Primary Stroke Center has received recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA) with the Get With The Guidelines®- Rural Stroke Gold and Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, which recognize quality achievement. UM Shore Medical Center at Easton is a University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) facility; UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.

These achievements highlight UM SRH’s commitment to providing the most effective stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and its dedication to prioritizing quality care for stroke patients.  

“It’s an honor to lead the Primary Stroke Center, where I witness the incredible dedication of our team,” said M. Walid Kamsheh, MD, the center’s medical director. “Being recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association highlights the tireless work of everyone involved — from our EMS partners in the community to our Emergency Department, neurology, radiology, pharmacy, laboratory and nursing teams. These awards reflect not only our commitment to providing state-of-the-art, patient-centered stroke care but also inspire us to continue advancing treatment, embracing innovation and improving outcomes. Together, through collaboration and dedication, we give every patient the best possible chance for survival and recovery, and we are proud to serve our communities in this vital mission.”

To honor team members and departments who play a key role in working with the Primary Stroke Center, members of the senior leadership team and other UM SRH stroke care leaders delivered the good news and doughnuts to several departments, including the Intensive Care Unit, Radiology, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Telemetry and Emergency Medicine. 

UM Shore Medical Center at Easton was designated as a Primary Stroke Center in 2007. A Primary Stroke Center designation is given by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems when standards are met to support better outcomes for stroke care. Certification standards include having a dedicated program staffed 24/7 by specially trained medical professionals who provide fast diagnostic services and optimal stroke care.

According to the American Heart Association, in 2022, there were 453 deaths from stroke each day in the United States, totaling approximately 165,000 deaths for the year, which equates to about one in every six deaths from cardiovascular disease being due to stroke. UM Shore Regional Health continues to provide stroke care to approximately 600 patients annually.

Additional information about the Primary Stroke Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton can be found at UMShoreRegional.org/stroke.