Holland Hospital has recently been awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification by DNV Healthcare, a leading accreditor of U.S. hospitals.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a top cause of adult disability.* A stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off due to a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel. Without an adequate blood supply, brain cells begin to die and brain damage can result. That’s why getting immediate medical care is crucial.

Where you go for care can also make a difference. Research shows that stroke patients receive better treatment, experience fewer complications and have shorter hospital stays at hospitals with a Primary Stroke Center. Fortunately, you can find that high-quality stroke care right here in Holland.

Holland Hospital has recently been awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification by DNV Healthcare, a leading accreditor of U.S. hospitals. This important designation places us among a select number of hospitals across the nation that have met the rigorous standards for treatment of stroke victims as defined by the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and the Recommendations of the American Stroke Association.

“On behalf of our patients and their families, we are very proud of this achievement,” says Carolyn Schaefer, nursing director and leader of the hospital’s stroke center initiative. “Our stroke team has specialized training and follows consistent protocols for immediate, appropriate response in caring for stroke patients.”

Can you list the warning signs of stroke? Find out – and learn more! – by taking our stroke quiz.

* Source: National Stroke Association, stroke.org.