Rochelle Community Hospital recognized for rural stroke care

The American Heart Association recently awarded Rochelle Community Hospital the bronze “Stroke Rural Recognition Award."

The American Heart Association recently awarded Rochelle Community Hospital the bronze “Stroke Rural Recognition Award,” the highest achievable status the hospital could receive in its first application cycle for the award, recognizing the hospital’s success in addressing the unique health needs of rural communities. Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association. People in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts; have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease; and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality.

That’s why the American Heart Association is working to improve stroke care and reduce gaps in rural health outcomes. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die.

Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery. “We are proud that our team at Rochelle Community Hospital is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of those in our community who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Janis Astle, the hospital’s manager of emergency services. “Rural communities deserve high-quality stroke care.

I’m proud of our team’s commitment to stroke care excellence and this achievement.” This recognition goes to deserving hospitals for their commitment to acute stroke care excellence, demonstrated through performance on guideline-directed measures including intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and expert stroke consultation.