McDOWELL, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials from McDowell ARH Hospital gathered Thursday to celebrate the facility’s certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Center.

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.

“This stroke certification has been a team effort involving many years of data, hours of training and meetings,” said McDowell ARH Emergency Room and Stroke Medical Director Dr. Karen Gooslin. “We strive daily to bring the best care to our community and to push ourselves to provide the best care for the people in our 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.

McDowell ARH CEO Danita Hampton said the certification will allow the hospital to provide the best possible care to patients at a time when every second counts.

“This certification is more than a piece of paper,” she said. “It shows that our staff has the knowledge and training to provide lifesaving care to our patients, right here close to home.

“I’m so very proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff here at McDowell ARH.”