Established in 2008 to give more stroke survivors the opportunity for positive outcomes, Samaritan Stroke Services continues to receive national recognition.

The American Stroke Association, together with the American Heart Association, recently awarded Samaritan Stroke Services with the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Certification. To earn this level of certification, Samaritan Stroke Services consistently complied with the requirements of the certification program for more than a year.

These guidelines are proven to save lives and include a well-equipped imaging department; aggressive use, when appropriate, of a clot-busting drug which can significantly reduce the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability; anticoagulation therapy; the availability of neurological medical staff and much more.

“By meeting the Silver Certification criteria, Samaritan Stroke Services continues to demonstrate its dedication to improving the outcomes of the stroke patients we serve,” said Karen Phillips, RN, clinical coordinator for Samaritan Stroke Services.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke.