HINTON, W.Va. – Officials from Summers County ARH Hospital gathered Nov. 13 to celebrate the facility’s certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.

The certification, bestowed by hospital accrediting agency DNV based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, signifies a hospital is equipped with a dedicated stroke-focused program.

Angela Rivera, Chief Nursing Officer for ARH’s West Virginia Region, said the certification was awarded based on the hospital’s performance in meeting various stroke metrics such as timely assessment, administering the proper medication and the efficient transfer of high-acuity stroke patients.

“This milestone is a significant accomplishment for our critical access hospital,” she said. “We take immense pride in our ability to offer the highest level of care to all of our patients and this outstanding achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to the entire Summers County community.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 2 cause of death worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Because stroke or “brain attacks” affect blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and offer the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

Summers County ARH CEO Joey Preast said the hospital’s stroke certification is important as it saves valuable time for those in need of treatment.

“This certification will allow us to better service our patients, and make sure they are able to receive services close to home,” he said. “The staff at Summers County ARH have made this a priority and through their leadership and dedication they have met all the requirements. It is an exciting time for Summers County and the patients we serve.”

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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies and medical spas. ARH employs approximately 6,400 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 1,300 providers on staff across its multi-state system. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky, and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia