Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant Achieves Stroke Ready Certification

MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant has achieved Stroke Ready certification through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for the services of emergency stroke care. ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986.

“Our team is incredibly proud to have earned this certification, which reflects our unwavering commitment to stroke care and to meeting the needs of our community,” said Marita Hattem-Schiffman, F.A.C.H.E., C.P.M.S.M., president of MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare, and Mt. Pleasant. “Access to life-saving treatment is vital for rural communities, especially in emergencies like a stroke. Every emergency room, including the ER at MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant, functions as a short-term critical care unit — a life-saving resource — and it’s always important to go to the nearest ER in an emergency. Attaining these certifications demonstrate our dedication to ensuring emergency stroke care is both high-quality and technologically advanced. We’re honored to be recognized for this important achievement, which reinforces our mission to serve Mt. Pleasant, Isabella County, and the surrounding areas.”

Certification is a process through which health care organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Certification by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number two cause of death worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Because stroke, or “brain attacks,” affect blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and offer the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

Should a higher level of care be needed, MyMichigan Health’s Neuroscience Centers in Midland and Saginaw provide advanced medical treatment. MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw, the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, delivers the highest level of stroke care with rapid diagnosis, advanced technology and specialized intervention for complex cases. Across the MyMichigan Health system, patients benefit from an experienced team of physicians and surgeons skilled in complex brain, spine and cerebrovascular conditions—ensuring leading-edge care is always accessible close to home.

Those interested in more information about stroke may take a free stroke assessment or learn more about MyMichigan Health Neurosciences at www.mymichigan.org/neuro.