The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has recognized Mena Regional Health System as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH). This designation is intended to ensure that stroke patients are transported to the nearest appropriate hospital when they call 911.
“With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain four years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for ADH. “The ArSRH designation ensures that stroke patients make it to the closest appropriate hospital when they dial 911.”
Arkansas faces a significant challenge with strokes. In 2023, the state recorded 1,842 stroke-related deaths, placing it fourth in the nation for stroke death rates. Strokes remain a leading cause of serious disability despite available life-saving treatments that can reverse effects if administered promptly.
Hospitals with the ArSRH designation collaborate with local emergency medical services (EMS) to enhance patient outcomes by ensuring rapid transportation to suitable hospitals. EMS providers use standardized protocols to screen and recognize strokes effectively.
Arkansas’s system includes Det Norse Veritas (DNV) and The Joint Commission (TJC) certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers, Acute Stroke Ready Facilities, and ADH-designated ArSRHs. These facilities provide crucial initial emergency evaluations and treatments through telemedicine.
To recognize a stroke quickly, remembering the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym can be helpful: Balance issues, Eye changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty mean it's Time to call 911 immediately.
A list of designated hospitals is available at https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/stroke/arkansas-stroke-ready-hospitals/.
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