Parkview Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ for stroke care. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has awarded Parkview Primary Stroke Center Certification. Parkview Stroke Center earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in December 2005.

"Parkview Medical Center demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients," says Charles A. Mowll, executive vice president, Business Development, Government, and External Relations, Joint Commission.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death, killing 144,000 people each year, and a leading cause of serious long term adult disability. Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year. It is Parkview Medical Center’s goal to treat all strokes according to the Joint Commissions guidelines to continually improve patient outcomes. It is also very important that we continue to educate the community about stroke risk factors and signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Parkview is only the third medical center in Colorado to achieve Primary Stroke Center Certification. Parkview is nationally involved with the Colorado stroke alliance, American Stroke Association, and the National Stroke Association to better serve our patients with the most current stroke care.

The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association's statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program - the nation's first - in 2003. A list of Joint Commission-certified programs is available at www.jcaho.org.