Keeping Stroke Treatment Close to Home

Texas Health Allen is working to secure Primary Stroke Center certification, which will establish the hospital as the go-to medical facility in Allen and the surrounding communities for people suffering a stroke. At this time Texas Health Allen is designated as Acute Stroke Ready, meaning it complies with the standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients when rapid action and proper medication can save lives and limit the long-term effects of strokes.

“With stroke patients, every minute of care counts,” said Texas Health Allen President Amanda Thrash. “Our donors’ support will help provide the necessary equipment to meet the Primary Stroke Center status and help fill the gap to complete the project and support its ongoing needs as Texas Health Allen strives to fulfill its mission to care for all who walk through its doors.”

Meet Our Donors: John and Leahray Wroten

The Wrotens are dedicated to Texas Health Resources. John has served on the boards of Texas Health Plano and Texas Health Allen, for more than 30 years. Together, they have volunteered hundreds of hours and raised millions of dollars by participating in capital campaigns for both campuses. Today, John serves as a trusted adviser to the leadership teams of both hospitals and is a member of the Texas Health Resources Collin County Community Impact Leadership Council.

In 2021, the couple made a life-saving decision to help the community of Allen and the North Texas area. The Wrotens provided the lead gift to help Texas Health Allen secure its certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

“I became very frustrated that the ambulance service in Fairview had to divert patients from Texas Health Allen to a stroke-certified hospital,” said John. “Time is critical for a stroke patient, and even a one-minute delay can make a huge difference in the patient’s outcome.”

John’s father died from a stroke at a young age, so he knows first-hand how necessary it is to provide prompt care to a stroke patient. The gift from the Wrotens will help Texas Health Allen acquire the necessary equipment for the stroke program, as well as other elements needed for official certification.

Donors Make the Difference

To better serve stroke patients, Texas Health Allen is currently seeking its Primary Stroke Center certification accredited by The Joint Commission, the country’s top nonprofit agency for hospital accreditation. Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Achievement of certification signifies that the services the hospital provides have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.

Your gifts help provide key requirements such as:

• Acute stroke team available 24/7
• Access to a neurologist 24/7 via in person or telemedicine
• Designated stroke beds
• Ability to provide IV thrombolytics

In anticipation of the certification, Texas Health Allen has hired a stroke coordinator to help ensure the stroke unit is appropriately set up and equipment is in place. Donor support is needed to help provide funding for the equipment, space, and staff necessary to receive the certification.