Hale Makua Wailuku Director of Nursing Meranda Julian (left) and Administrator Paul Mattfeld stand next to the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Stroke Recognition Award banner. Photo courtesy Hale Makua

Hale Makua has received recognition for its participation in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative, a program designed to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients and improve recovery outcomes.

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a new or recurrent stroke each year.

The post-acute care initiative helps facilities support faster and more effective recovery through standardized care coordination and the implementation of evidence-based rehabilitation practices. The American Heart Association said the program was developed to address variations in stroke rehabilitation expertise, care processes and educational resources among facilities providing post-acute care.

The initiative provides a framework for improving care through program management, patient and caregiver education, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.

“Participation in this program benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Chasen Fukuda, health care quality program consultant. “When there are evidence-based processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes. This initiative helps patients and their loved ones know participating facilities follow these important best practices.”

Hale Makua Chief Executive Officer Wes Lo said the organization is committed to improving patient care through the initiative.

“It makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which can help patients recover better,” Lo said.

Hale Makua Kahului Director of Rehab Brittany Dillon, Assistant Administrator Kayla Phillips, Assistant Director of Nursing Kehau Watari and Administrator Rodrigo Santos stand next to the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Stroke Recognition Award banner. Photo courtesy Hale Makua