FARGO – Area health care facilities are among 36 hospitals in North Dakota recognized for participation in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease or stroke.

Each year, the American Heart Association recognizes hospitals across the country for consistently following up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care.

Among those announced by the association for recognition this year are Trinity Hospital, Minot; CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake Hospital, Devils Lake; Community Memorial Hospital, Turtle Lake; Heart of America Medical Center, Rugby; Kenmare Community Hospital, Kenmare; McKenzie County Healthcare Systems, Watford City; Mountrail County Medical Center, Stanley; Presentation Medical Center, Rolla; St.Aloisius Medical Center, Harvey; St. Andrew’s Health Center, Bottineau; Tioga Medical Center, Tioga; and St. Aloisius Medical Center, Harvey.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the heart association.