McKenzie Health System is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality cardiovascular care

Rebecca Stoliker, Director of Nursing Services and Lacey Shea, Emergency Department Manager, Trauma Program/Injury Prevention Coordinator, and Stroke and STEMI Program Manager

The American Heart Association presents the Get With The Guidelines® awards for proven dedication to best practices and life-saving care

 McKenzie Health System (McKenzie) has received two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association 2025 Statistical Update. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, McKenzie qualified for the awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care.

“McKenzie is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Lacey Shea, RN, Emergency Department and Trauma Program Manager. “Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in the Sanilac County area experience longer, healthier lives.”

This year, McKenzie received these achievement awards:

· Get With The Guidelines®-Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Silver

· Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Silver

“These awards show McKenzie'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,” added Rebecca Stoliker, Director of Nursing Services at McKenzie Health System, “we 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.”

About McKenzie Health System McKenzie Health System (MHS), a not-for-profit healthcare organization located in Sanilac County Michigan, is known for its leadership, strong culture, and innovative approach to rural healthcare. The organization includes the critical access hospital located in Sandusky, Michigan and nine affiliated clinics serving Sanilac County and surrounding communities. McKenzie Health System is committed to shaping the future of local healthcare by partnering with the Sanilac Career Center and a variety of academic institutions to offer medical education and hands-on training opportunities. These programs help prepare future physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are essential to the well-being of our community. With a focus on compassionate care, clinical excellence, and community connection, McKenzie’s dedicated team works collaboratively to deliver high-quality services while continuously evolving to meet local healthcare needs. To learn more about McKenzie Health System and its comprehensive range of services, visit www.mckenziehealth.org or call 810-648-3770.

About Get With The Guidelines Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.