HCA Florida Blake Hospital is nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care
HCA Florida Blake Hospital received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® — Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Awards. These awards demonstrate commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.
"At HCA Florida Blake Hospital, we're always working to give our patients the best care possible," said CEO Steve Young. "By following the latest medical guidelines and improving how we work behind the scenes, we can treat people faster and more effectively. Programs like Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines help our teams use proven methods every day, so more people in Manatee County can live longer, healthier lives."
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association 2025 Statistical Update. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.
“This continued recognition highlights the experience and skill of our stroke care team,” said Dr. Keith DeSousa, chair of neuroscience at HCA Florida Blake Hospital. “We use the most up-to-date treatment protocols to give our patients the highest level of care. Our goal is to enhance recovery and help stroke patients achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life.”
As a participant in Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines programs, HCA Florida Blake Hospital qualified for the awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care.
“These awards show HCA Florida Blake Hospital’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, HCA Florida Blake Hospital can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”