Van Buren, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health has designated Baptist Health Medical Center – Van Buren as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH), acknowledging its commitment to improving stroke care in the state.
Arkansas faces a significant challenge with stroke-related health outcomes. In 2022, the state recorded 1,774 stroke-related deaths, ranking ninth in the nation for stroke mortality. Stroke also remains a leading cause of serious disability. Despite the availability of life-saving treatments for common strokes, many patients do not receive timely medical care.
Hospitals with the ArSRH designation collaborate with local emergency medical services (EMS) to ensure stroke patients are quickly transported to facilities capable of providing the most appropriate care. EMS teams use standardized protocols to identify strokes effectively and connect patients to the necessary treatment.
The state’s stroke care system includes certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers, Acute Stroke Ready Facilities, and ADH-designated ArSRHs. These hospitals provide critical emergency care, including stroke assessment and telemedicine-supported treatment, helping to improve patient outcomes.