TGH Crystal River Earns First American Heart Association Stroke Quality Achievement Award

National recognition highlights TGH Crystal River’s commitment to evidence-based stroke care and improved outcomes for patients across Citrus County and surrounding communities.

Tampa, Fla. (July 20, 2026) – Tampa General Hospital Crystal River has received its first-ever American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke quality achievement award, earning Silver Plus recognition for its commitment to high-quality, evidence-based stroke care. The hospital also earned the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll distinctions. 

This recognition is based on the hospital’s performance data submitted to the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. The program helps hospitals align patient care with the latest research-based guidelines to improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimizing brain injury and improving recovery. Through its participation in Get With The Guidelines, Tampa General Hospital Crystal River has demonstrated a sustained commitment to delivering consistent, evidence-based care designed to increase survival rates and improve quality of life for patients recovering from stroke.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and teamwork of our physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff who work every day to provide exceptional care for patients experiencing a stroke,” said Linda Stockton, senior vice president and president, TGH Crystal River. “As the first American Heart Association stroke quality achievement award received by Tampa General Hospital Crystal River, this milestone underscores our commitment to expanding access to advanced, high-quality care close to home for the communities we serve.”

Hospitals recognized with the Silver Plus award have demonstrated sustained achievement in implementing quality improvement measures that follow the latest American Heart Association and American Stroke Association treatment guidelines. The additional Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite accolade acknowledges hospitals that meet advanced criteria for the rapid treatment of eligible stroke patients; the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognizes organizations that provide comprehensive care for stroke patients affected by Type 2 diabetes.

“Receiving this national recognition highlights the tremendous progress our clinical teams have made in strengthening stroke care services throughout our hospital,” said Keith Campbell, MD, vice president and associate chief medical officer for TGH Community and Specialty Hospitals. “We are proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our commitment to excellence and for helping ensure patients in Citrus County have access to the highest standards of stroke care.”

Tampa General Hospital Crystal River is part of Tampa General’s growing network of hospitals and outpatient services across Florida, bringing leading-edge clinical expertise and coordinated care to communities throughout the region. This first-ever recognition marks a significant landmark for Citrus County residents, who now have access to nationally recognized, evidence-based stroke care close to home.