Paragould, Ark. – Baptist Memorial Hospital‑Paragould has been officially designated an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital by the Arkansas Department of Health, a distinction that highlights the facility’s compliance with state standards for swift stroke evaluation and treatment.
What the designation means for the community
The Stroke Ready Hospital status confirms that the hospital provides timely emergency assessment, rapid treatment, and appropriate use of telemedicine when needed. It also ensures seamless coordination with local emergency medical services, allowing patients experiencing a stroke to receive critical care without delay.
“While I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment, what means the most to me is what this designation represents for our community,” said Lacey Wheeler, the hospital’s emergency department director and stroke coordinator. Wheeler emphasized that the recognition reflects months of preparation by emergency staff, physicians, nurses and other clinical team members.
Expanded reach across the region
Baptist Memorial Hospital‑Paragould serves patients throughout Greene and Clay counties as well as neighboring communities in Arkansas and Missouri. As a Stroke Ready Hospital, the facility is better positioned to evaluate and treat stroke victims promptly, and to connect them with higher‑level care when necessary.
“As a Stroke Ready Hospital, we are better positioned to provide timely evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing a stroke, while connecting them with the appropriate level of care when needed,” Wheeler added.
Recent accolades and ongoing commitment
The new designation follows five awards from the American Heart Association received in August, including the Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Bronze award and the Rural Stroke Silver award. These honors underscore the hospital’s dedication to meeting national best practices in stroke care.
Stroke warning signs include sudden balance problems, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty. The American Stroke Association promotes the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. to help the public recognize these symptoms, with the final “T” standing for “Time to Call 911.” Residents are urged to call emergency services immediately if they suspect a stroke.
Hospital background
Formerly known as Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, the 129‑bed hospital merged with Baptist Memorial Health Care in March, expanding its resources and network. The Stroke Ready Hospital designation adds to its growing reputation as a vital health‑care hub for the Paragould area.
Community members and local officials have praised the achievement, noting its potential to improve outcomes for stroke patients and reduce long‑term disability in the region.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
