WC Missouri News

Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) in Warrensburg, Missouri, has been recognized by the American Heart Association with three Get With The Guidelines achievement awards. These awards highlight the hospital’s commitment to following current research-based protocols for treating heart disease and stroke.

The hospital received the following honors: Get With The Guidelines-Rural Stroke Gold, Get With The Guidelines-Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold, and Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Bronze Plus. Last year, WMMC was awarded the Silver recognition for rural stroke care; this year’s advancement to Gold and additional recognition for STEMI care reflect continued efforts to improve patient outcomes by applying evidence-based treatment guidelines.

A ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a serious form of heart attack that requires immediate intervention to restore blood flow and prevent permanent damage. Hospitals must act quickly to treat these patients, which can lead to better survival rates and recovery.

“We’re proud to be acknowledged for the dedicated work our team does every day to enhance care for stroke and STEMI patients,” said Darinda Dick, WMMC President and CEO. “By focusing on these time-sensitive conditions, we’re ensuring patients in our community receive the critical interventions necessary to improve survival rates and long-term recovery.”

“These awards show WMMC’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, WMMC 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.”

According to data from the American Heart Association 2025 Statistical Update, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States while stroke ranks fifth. Research indicates that consistent use of established treatment guidelines improves patient recovery rates.

Western Missouri Medical Center is an accredited acute care facility providing emergency services as well as a range of inpatient and outpatient medical offerings. The hospital serves residents with specialties including surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics, family healthcare, rehabilitation services, intensive care, pediatrics, skilled nursing care, diagnostic testing and more.

Get With The Guidelines is a national program developed by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association aimed at improving hospital adherence to best practices in cardiac and stroke care since 2001. More than 14 million patients have been impacted by this initiative; further details are available at https://www.heart.org/.