ARMC earns stroke center certification

“Athens Regional Medical Center demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcome for stroke patients,” said Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q, executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

According to the American Stroke Association, each year approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke — 610,000 are first attacks and 185,000 are recurrent. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States is suffering from a stroke. The deadly condition accounts for one out of every 18 deaths in the United States.

“Joint Commission Primary Stroke Care Center Certification recognizes Athens Regional’s commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community. We are now the only hospital in the area that offers both a Primary Certified Stroke Care Center as well as a comprehensive cardiac care program,” said Carrie Capps, MBA, RN, BSN, chief nursing and patient care services officer at Athens Regional Medical Center.

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Care Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program – the nation’s first – in 2003.