Several area facilities were among the 109 hospitals in Pennsylvania recognized for their efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke. They were honored for participating in the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines initiative, which promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care. Nationwide, 2,600 hospitals participate in the program.

Pennsylvania hospitals honored this year include Chester County Hospital; Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital; Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center; Reading Hospital - Tower Health; UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, Community and West Shore Campuses; UPMC Pinnacle Lititz Hospital; UPMC Pinnacle Memorial Hospital; WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital; WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital; and WellSpan Health - York Hospital. They were recognized for consistently following up-to-date, research-based guidelines.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. These health crises require swift and proven treatment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, seeks to set standards for high-quality, science-based care and access for all patients.

For more information about the Get With the Guidelines program and each participating hospital's recognition level, visit http://www.heart.org/getwiththeguidelines.