FARMINGTON, N.M. – San Juan Regional Medical Center has earned primary stroke center certification, bringing nationally recognized stroke care closer to the Four Corners.
San Juan Regional Medical Center earned the designation from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a global independent certification provider.
The certification means the hospital meets national standards for equipment and protocols, has highly trained caregivers and can provide timely stroke care.
Previously, the next closest hospital with that status was almost 200 miles away in Albuquerque.
“I think having a primary stroke center in our community is a big deal,” Nick Maule with SJRMC said.
“Time is tissue. The faster you can get to a stroke center, the more brain function you have,” Maule said. “So precious minutes matter, and having that here in our community with all of our surrounding area makes a big impact.”
Maule said community education also plays a role in stroke care.
The hospital teaches people to remember BE FAST: balance, eyes, face, arms, speech and time. Maule said knowing when symptoms began can help guide treatment.
“The clot-busting medication that we give is dependent on what time it started, and so we need to know that it’s very important,” Maule said. “And then you need to call 911. Don’t drive yourself, and then let us do what we do best and take care of you and get that stroke taken care of.”
Health officials also recommend regular checkups and preventive steps such as quitting smoking to help lower stroke risk.
