Summers County ARH celebrated getting Acute Stroke Ready Certification

HINTON, WV (WVNS) – There is officially a new certification at Summers County ARH Hospital.

On Wednesday afternoon of November 13th, the hospital hosted a celebration for their brand-new Acute Stroke Ready Certification.

This means the hospital is equipped to evaluate and provide care to patients with acute stroke symptoms.

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With this certification, the staff can now treat patients who require emergency care.

"Time is brain. So, we want to make sure if you're having your symptoms, you get to the hospital right away so we can treat you. And, having the Summers County certified now, and many now know the metrics and able to take quality care for our community. You can stay right at home and we can take great care of you."

Angela Rivera, ARH West Virginia Regional Chief Nursing Officer

Dozens of staff came out to celebrate. Most were wearing purple t-shirts, the official color for stroke awareness.

They also had several survivors tell their own stories, including William Jones.

Jones was involved in a car wreck, leading to a traumatic brain injury, and eventually a massive stroke.

Despite a ten percent chance of survival, Jones survived. He is now is grateful to ARH for the care they have given him to help him on the road to recovery.

"In order to be here, but participate in the Stroke Certification for Summers County, to have this gift in Hinton, West Virginia is such a great thing to have. If I wouldn't have transferred here, I don't think my recovery wouldn't be as good as it did and I owe everything to Summers County."

William Jones, Stroke Survivor

Two years after starting the certification, Summers County ARH can now say they are officially certified.

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Staff say if you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms, getting to the nearest treatment center can save your life.

"That's why we're here, that's what we do. We do this for our community and for them to come to us and tell us how they're still here because of us and because they care we give it's just so heartwarming. And that's exactly why we do it, we do it so the community can be here and speak out on the care they received."

Angela Rivera, ARH West Virginia Regional Chief Nursing Officer