FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification. Awarded every two years, this certification is a symbol of the quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

Texas Health Alliance serves more than 50,000 patients each year from north Fort Worth, Haslet, Justin, Roanoke and surrounding areas.

“We first earned this prestigious certification in 2022, and it’s one of many achievements that help us meet the needs of North Texans,” said Clint Abernathy, president of Texas Health Alliance. “Our hospital serves more than 50,000 patients each year, and families come from north Fort Worth, Haslet, Justin, Roanoke and surrounding areas. This certification simply confirms that we remain ready, willing and able to care for individuals when they arrive at our door.”

According to the American Heart Association, between 2020 and 2050, stroke prevalence in the U.S. will increase from 10 million to close to 20 million adults. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Unfortunately, some of those adults will become high-acuity stroke patients.

Scott Leiker, Stroke Program coordinator at Texas Health Alliance, said the certification validates the hospital’s continued commitment to uphold the highest standards possible and to grow along with the surrounding community.

“Our hope is to increase stroke awareness with an emphasis on ‘time,’” he said. “With timely diagnosis and treatment, we hope to improve the patient recovery process, so individuals can regain independence and enjoy their daily activities.”  

The certification also recognizes healthcare organizations that provide clinical programs for stroke patients and evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.

Texas Health Alliance offers high-quality care, whether it begins with emergency treatment or rehabilitation after a stroke.

“When patients and their families trust us to deliver the highest level of stroke care, we are committed to empowering individuals with valuable resources, including comprehensive rehabilitation services and support groups,” Abernathy said. “That detailed and compassionate care is just one important component to our mission and helps us establish a lifelong connection with our community.”

Established in 2003, advanced certification for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded every two years to Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals. The prestigious designation is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care.

With three hospitals designated as Comprehensive Stroke Centers and seven hospitals certified as Primary Stroke Centers, Texas Health is committed to advancing stroke care throughout North Texas. Follow this link to learn more about Texas Health’s robust neuroscience programs.