Local Novant Health hospitals have been recognized by the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program "for their commitment to delivering high-quality stroke and heart failure care," according to a news release.

“When a patient experiences a stroke or heart failure, every decision and every moment matters,” stated Laurie Whalin, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Coastal Region, in the release. “These awards highlight the teamwork and clinical excellence that help ensure patients receive remarkable care and support throughout their treatment and recovery.”

The 2026 honorees in Coastal North Carolina are:

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Gold – Heart Failure
Target: Heart Failure Optimal
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Stroke Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
Gold – Heart Failure
Target: Heart Failure Optimal
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Rural Gold – Heart Failure
Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Novant Health Pender Medical Center
Rural Silver – Stroke

According to the release, "Novant Health continues to expand access to advanced cardiovascular care through innovations such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, robotic mitral valve repair, and the Barostim implant for heart failure.  The health system has also advanced stroke care, with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center becoming the first hospital in North Carolina to use the newly approved THUNDERBOLT technology to remove blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain."

The release stated that these efforts build on Novant Health’s network of 11 certified stroke centers — including Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a certified comprehensive stroke center — and AI-powered technology "that helps care teams quickly identify and treat patients when every minute matters."