Cabinet Peaks Medical Center personnel earned the Stroke Recognition Award at the Montana Hospital Association’s annual meeting last month.

The accolade recognizes critical access hospitals demonstrating the ability to provide high quality care for patients suffering from acute strokes. In a statement, medical center officials said the award confirms the high standards of the facility’s protocols, laboratory and radiology services.

The state’s Cardiovascular Health Program sponsors the award, given out annually since 2011. Cabinet Peaks Medical Center joins just 11 other critical access hospitals in Montana to receive the honor.

To be recognized, a facility must track and report stroke outcomes, use that data to improve service and coordinate stroke training among healthcare providers.

According to officials at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, strokes are a leading cause of adult disability and death in Montana. More than 2,000 families were affected by strokes.