Thief River Falls Medical Center named stroke-ready hospital

Thief River Falls Medical Center named stroke-ready hospital

Nov. 8, 2024

Contact:
Jessica Schindeldecker
Sanford Health Senior Communications Specialist
(701) 200-6080/ [email protected]

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn.- Sanford Health Thief River Falls Medical Center is one of 120 hospitals recognized in Minnesota for their preparedness to evaluate, stabilize and provide emergency treatment to patients with acute stroke symptoms. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in Minnesota, and outcomes improve for patients when they can get to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to designate hospitals in Minnesota as "stroke hospitals." Facilities may be designated as Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals, Primary Stroke Centers and Comprehensive Stroke Centers. These hospitals are prepared to provide quick and appropriate treatment to stroke patients, increasing the likelihood of better patient outcomes.

Minnesota has seen a significant increase in access to stroke care, and 94% of Minnesotans now live within 30 minutes of a designated stroke system hospital. MDH has designated 120 stroke hospitals as part of the Minnesota Stroke System, including 97 Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals throughout Minnesota.

"This designation means that our community has immediate access to life-saving stroke care without the need for long-distance travel," said Mark Yuska, DPM, Sanford Thief River Falls Clinic's chief of staff. "Our goal is to give every patient the best chance at recovery, and this designation reaffirms our dedication to delivering high-quality care where it matters most-close to home."

"Stroke is an emergency and timely treatment decreases the chance of disability or death from stroke," said Nicky Anderson, MDH stroke program supervisor. "Every second counts. That is why it is so crucial that all Minnesota hospitals are ready to recognize and deliver timely stroke care close to home."

"In rural areas, recognizing stroke symptoms early and having access to specialized care can make all the difference between life-altering outcomes and a full recovery," said Justin Harrington, MD, Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center's emergency department medical director.

It is important for everyone to know how to spot a stroke quickly and call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a stroke. Local emergency medical service (EMS) providers are trained to recognize stroke symptoms and will ensure patients are taken to the closest designated stroke center quickly. You can recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke by remembering B.E.F.A.S.T.

B - Balance loss - Is coordination or balance suddenly difficult?
E - Eyesight change - Is there a sudden change in vision?
F - Facial drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
A - Arm weakness - Is one arm weak or numb?
S - Slurred speech - Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?
T - Time to call 9-1-1 - If the person shows any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately