Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus” Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions
“Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Kathie Johnson, President, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center additionally received the Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. For those hospitals measuring Door-To-Device (DTD) times in at least 50% of applicable patients within 90 minutes for direct arriving and within 60 minutes for transfer qualified for the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy designation.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center additionally received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed with more than 90 % of compliance for 12 consecutive months for the “Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score.”
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center or as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.
“We are pleased to recognize Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
To learn more about stokes, Sentara Stroke Center locations, and living well after a stroke, please visit sentarastrokeeducation.com.
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Due to frigid temperatures forecasted for tonight, schools in the region are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff:
Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
Meet Daphne, a sweet 2-year-old pup with a personality that’s as fun as it is adorable! Daphne came to the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter as a stray, and while she was a bit reserved at first, she’s now blossomed into a lively, energetic, and curious girl who loves attention.
This lovable dog walks wonderfully on a leash and enjoys exploring the outdoors. She’s eager to learn new things and thrives on positive interactions with people. While Daphne is quiet and calm in her kennel, her excitement is evident every time someone walks by—she’s always ready for a chance to play and explore outside.
If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
Do you have an upcoming event to share? Submitting it to our community events calendar is easy and free! Just fill out our event submission form at this link. Include all the essential details, and we’ll help spread the word about your event to our readers.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
