Deer Lodge Medical Center was recognized with the Stroke Recognition Award at the Montana Hospital Association’s annual meeting last month. The Stroke Recognition Award is sponsored by the Cardiovascular Health Program within the state health department. The Recognition Award singles out Critical Access Hospitals that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure and commitment to provide high quality care for patients with acute stroke. Receiving the Stroke Recognition Deer Lodge Medical Center meets high standards related to the utilization of evidence-based stroke order-sets and protocols, laboratory and radiology services available 24/7 and administrative commitment to treating acute stroke patients.

The Stroke Recognition Award was launched in 2011, and Deer Lodge Medical Center is one of only 15 Critical Access Hospitals in Montana to receive the recognition. Requirements for the recognition include tracking and reporting key stroke outcomes, using outcomes data to initiate quality improvement activities and coordinating regular healthcare provider stroke trainings.

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and is a leading cause of death in the Montana. Last year, over 2,000 Montana families were directly impacted by the devastating effects of stroke. Symptom recognition and timely, high quality treatment are important factors in reducing death and disability from stroke.

Know the signs and symptoms of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face arm or leg
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Know what to do if you or someone you know experience stroke symptoms:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately

For more information about stroke, please visit: www.strokeassociation.org