Gunnison Valley Health Achieves National Gold Standard for Rural Stroke Care

Gunnison Valley Health has achieved the American Heart Association’s Rural Stroke GOLD Award. This recognition validates the hospital’s commitment to delivering life-saving, evidence-based stroke care right here in the Gunnison Valley and represents years of dedication and collaboration across departments. 

A Vision Sparked by a Nurse’s Determination 

The road to Gold began nearly a decade ago with GVH Clinical Nurse Coordinator Chris Evans, who noticed a troubling pattern: stroke patients weren’t always receiving treatment within the “golden hour,” the critical 60-minute window that can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability. 

“You have to prove there is a problem before you can enact real change,” Evans explained. So, she began collecting data to track outcomes and identify areas where GVH could improve. 

As Chris began documenting the data and conducting research, she discovered that the American Heart Association had an award program specifically designed for rural hospitals. Because of her early foresight, GVH was well prepared with the data and the determination to meet the criteria for the award. Evans’ early initiative laid the groundwork for GVH’s continued success throughout the last several years. 

What the Gold Standard Means 

The Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Rural Recognition Program sets strict benchmarks to ensure hospitals provide consistent, evidence-based care. To achieve Gold status, hospitals must demonstrate at least 75% compliance in critical performance areas such as: 

• Rapid diagnosis and treatment — CT scans within 25 minutes, clot-busting medication within 60 minutes, and swift transfers to higher-level stroke centers when needed. 
• Accurate documentation — Recording the “last known well” time to guide treatment. 
• Safety measures — Dysphagia screenings, stroke severity scoring, and EMS pre-notification. 

Hospitals must meet these standards quarter after quarter, proving they can sustain excellence over time 

A Team Effort Across GVH 

Chief Nursing Officer Nicole Huff emphasizes that the award is about more than meeting metrics. It also reflects GVH’s readiness to save lives. 

“The stroke award showcases our preparedness for early intervention and better outcomes when it comes to stroke care,” Huff said. “While many patients are ultimately transferred to higher-level stroke centers, this recognition demonstrates that our team is fully equipped to provide rapid recognition, timely diagnosis, and evidence-based, life-saving treatment here in the valley. Being an Acute Stroke Ready facility means we can deliver high-quality care from the very first moments and ensure seamless transfer when advanced intervention is needed.” That preparedness requires seamless coordination across multiple departments, including EMS, the Emergency Department, Radiology, Lab, and Inpatient Care. Every role matters when minutes count. 

Impact on the Gunnison Valley 

In 2024 alone, GVH cared for 24 stroke patients, each one a reminder of how vital local stroke care is in a rural setting. The Gold recognition provides peace of mind to the community: if a stroke happens here, patients can count on immediate, high-quality treatment that meets the nation’s best standards. 

For Evans, Huff, and the entire GVH team, the recognition isn’t the finish line. It’s motivation to keep improving. It’s also a point of pride for the community, showcasing that rural hospitals can and do continue to achieve high levels of excellence. 

“Earning this award shows that we are not only prepared,” Huff said, “but that we are committed to providing the very best stroke care possible to our community.” 

With Gold certification in stroke care, Gunnison Valley Health reaffirms its continuous goal to deliver high-quality, life-saving healthcare, close to home. 

Help Save a life — BEFAST 

Use the BEFAST acronym to understand the signs and symptoms of a stroke that could help save a life.  

B – Balance  

• Watch for sudden loss of balance, dizziness or coordination.  

E – Eyes 

• Check for a sudden vision change, such as blurred vision, double vision, or a loss of vision in one or both eyes.  

F – Face 

• Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or is numb, it could be a sign of a stroke.  

A – Arm  

• Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward, it could indicate arm weakness.  

S – Speech 

• Listen to their speech. If they have slurred speech or difficulty speaking, it could be a sign of a stroke.  

T – Time to call 911 

• If you see any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Getting to the hospital quickly is critical for treatment.