Published on May 27, 2021

Nash UNC Health Care Recognized for Stroke Care

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina (May 27, 2021) –

Nash UNC Health Care has recently been re-accredited with The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

According to The Joint Commission, The Gold Seal of Approval® and the Heart-Check mark represent symbols of quality from their respective organizations.

To earn these prestigious certifications, Nash UNC Health Care underwent a rigorous onsite review.

Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care and performance improvement.

“We are pleased to have received this recognition from The Joint Commission and the AHA/ASA,” said Lee Isley, president and CEO of Nash UNC Health Care. “Our efforts to improve and maintain the high standards of stroke care in our facilities has proven to be successful by receiving this accreditation once again.”

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Michael Aquino, stroke program coordinator at Nash UNC, explained the importance of having a top-notch stroke program.

“Speed and efficiency in treatment are essential during a stroke,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can recognize them quickly and call 911.”

Aquino said the easiest way to remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke is the acronym BE FAST, which stands for:

  • Balance: sudden change in balance or coordination
  • Eyes: sudden change in vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Face: facial droop
  • Arms: cannot hold arms up or arm weakness
  • Speech: slurred or garbled speech or inability to speak, and
  • Time: time to call 911

According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the United States suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

“These recognitions by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association reassure our community that in the event of a stroke or emergency, they will have a highly-skilled, well-trained team ready to take care of them upon their arrival to the hospital,” said Aquino.

For more information on stroke treatment at Nash UNC Health Care, visit www.nashunchealthcare.org/stroke