Stroke care, young leader recognized
Published on Monday, July 28, 2025
By: Gary Pettus, gpettus@umc.edu
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide.
AHA awards reflect strong commitment to patient standards of care
The American Heart Association has recognized the University of Mississippi Medical Center for ensuring that stroke patients receive timely, quality treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
The AHA has awarded the Medical Center the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus recognition based on its stroke patient care record from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2024.
UMMC will be among the hospitals recognized at the AHA’s International Stroke Conference scheduled for February 2026 in New Orleans.
The first part of the award, Gold Plus, means UMMC has met or exceeded 85% compliance with AHA standards of care for all admitted stroke patients for at least 24 consecutive months. The Medical Center has now earned Gold Plus status for 13 straight years.
The second part of the award, Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite Plus, indicates that UMMC’s stroke team has provided ischemic stroke patients with timely thrombolytic treatment – the use of drugs through an IV line or catheter -- to stop blood clots affecting the brain. This is now the fourth consecutive year that the Medical Center has received this award, the highest possible recognition for fast treatment with thrombolytics.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., the AHA reports. When an oxygen-carrying blood vessel to the brain is blocked or bursts, brain cells die. Survival, minimal disability and quicker recoveries depend on early detection and treatment.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize UMMC for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group.
“Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
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Delta State names Wilkes outstanding young alumnus
Delta State University has selected Dr. Jeanna Wilkes, special projects coordinator for academic affairs at UMMC, as a member of its inaugural “DSU Under 40” class.
The program recognizes outstanding young alumni who are making significant contributions in their communities and for DSU.
The honorees, all under the age of 40, “demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, innovation and excellence across diverse fields, including education, public service, healthcare, business and the arts,” according to the university.
The class will be celebrated during an Oct. 17 event held during Delta State’s 93rd homecoming weekend.
“These honorees are paving the way and making impactful contributions in their careers and ongoing support of Delta State,” said Corley Mullins, DSU director of alumni affairs.
“We are proud to honor them as the inaugural DSU Under 40 class and are excited to celebrate them during homecoming.”
Wilkes, who earned a Doctor of Health Administration, is also a UMMC assistant professor of preventive medicine.