Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has recognized North Arkansas
Regional Medical Center as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH).

“With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain four
years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy
Chief Medical Officer for ADH. “The ArSRH designation ensures that stroke patients make it to
the closest appropriate hospital when they dial 911.”

Stroke continues to take a significant toll on our state. The most recent data for 2023 show
Arkansas has the 4th highest stroke death rate in the country, with 1,852 total stroke related
deaths. Stroke remains a leading cause of serious disability. Although life-saving treatment is
available to reverse the effects of the most common type of stroke, few patients receive medical
care in time.

Hospitals recognized with the ArSRH designation partner with local EMS to improve outcomes
by helping ensure stroke patients are rapidly transported to the most appropriate hospital. EMS
providers screen patients with standardized protocols to effectively recognize stroke and make
sure patients receive the right kind of care.

Arkansas’s stroke systems of care consist of Det Norse Veritas (DNV) and The Joint
Commission (TJC) certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers, Acute
Stroke Ready Facilities, and ADH-designated ArSRHs. ArSRHs can provide time-critical care
for the stroke patient, including initial emergency evaluation with real-time stroke assessment,
and treatment through telemedicine.

Remembering the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym is a way to recognize stroke and what to do when it is
suspected:

B – Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E – Eyes: Is there a sudden change in vision or trouble seeing?
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to
understand?
T – Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go
away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Visit https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/stroke/arkansasstroke-ready-hospitals/ for a listing of stroke designated hospitals in Arkansas