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West Orange, NJ (August 5, 2025)—RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest academic health system, announced that five of their stroke centers have earned American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) 2025 Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) achieved the highest level of recognition given by AHA/ASA for stroke care.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Hospitals edition rated the two RWJBarnabas Health comprehensive stroke centers as High Performing based on patient outcomes for the treatment of stroke. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) and RWJUH earned High Performing ratings for stroke, placing them in the top 13% of programs nationwide. Both hospitals are also recognized as Best Regionals Hospitals by U.S. News for 2025-26.
“These awards reflect our team’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of stroke care guided by the latest evidence-based practices,” said Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut, MD, professor and chair of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School, senior vice president of Neurology and co-lead of Neuroscience, RWJBarnabas Health. “We are incredibly proud of our hospitals for achieving these national recognitions. It demonstrates the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams who work tirelessly to improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure every patient receives timely, life-saving treatment.”
The following RWJBarnabas Health hospitals received recognition for their commitment to evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes:
This year’s AHA/ASA GTWG recognitions are based on performance data from 2023–2024 and reflect RWJBarnabas Health’s excellence in meeting nationally recognized treatment standards that reduce disability and improve patient survival. U.S. News uses three years of publicly reported data for its Adult Common Conditions & Treatment ratings.
“Receiving these distinctions underscores our focus on continuous improvement and patient-centered care to achieve outcomes and give stroke patients the best possible chance for a full recovery,” said Steven Shapiro, MD, director, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
“From rapid diagnosis to innovative treatment protocols, our extensive stroke network is united by this shared purpose. This level of recognition is earned, not just an accolade. It’s a reflection of lives saved and futures restored,” said Deviyani Mehta, MD, associate professor, Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, interim co-director, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
AHA/ASA Get With The Guidelines engage with hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. GTWG – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. The AHA Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines programs help reduce barriers to prompt treatment for vascular events.
Recognized hospitals will also be honored at the 2026 International Stroke Conference and were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” print and digital editions.
RWBarnabas Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center teams provide advanced, life-saving care for stroke patients across New Jersey. With around-the-clock specialists, state-of-the-art imaging, and comprehensive rehabilitation, we deliver the highest level of care when every second counts.
RWJBarnabas Health operates New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive stroke network, ensuring that patients have access to rapid, advanced treatment. With 10 primary stroke centers and two advanced comprehensive stroke centers, accredited by The Joint Commission, the network provides cutting-edge therapies, neurointerventional capabilities, and multidisciplinary teams dedicated to improving outcomes. Learn more at RWJBarnabas Health Stroke Centers.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 44,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
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