FORT WORTH, Texas — For the fourth consecutive time, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth has earned Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers*.

In 2019, Texas Health Fort Worth became the first hospital in the city to earn the national certification, which recognizes consistent, high-quality neurological care provided to stroke patients living in North Texas and beyond.

“For more than five years, Texas Health Fort Worth has consistently cared for the highest number of stroke patients** in North Texas,” said Jared Shelton, FACHE, Texas Health Fort Worth president. “We’re honored that patients and their families choose us to be there in their most critical times of need. We want them to know that improving their quality of life and empowering them with resources is not just a goal but a priority.”

The stroke program at Texas Health Fort Worth offers patients access to physician specialists and the latest technology to better diagnose and treat strokes, including a dedicated neurosurgical intensive care unit, educational and support programs, a Brain Injury Transitional Services program, advanced imaging systems to identify clots deep in the brain and virtual stroke care capabilities.

Stroke ranks as the No. 4 cause of death in Texas; unfortunately, some of the highest rates of stroke prevalence are in Dallas and Tarrant counties.

“Consistently earning certification from Joint Commission sets the parameters for Texas Health Fort Worth’s continued commitment to excellence, but it’s more than just accolades,” said Vinit Mehrotra, M.D., a neurologist on the hospital’s medical staff and medical director of its stroke program. “Whether stroke symptoms are minor to severe, providing individuals with high-quality treatment, education and rehab is the constant priority, regardless of their ZIP code.”

The hospital remains the only Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in Tarrant County to be certified by Joint Commission and is one of fewer than 50 comprehensive stroke facilities in Texas.

The two-year certification encompasses the full spectrum of stroke care: diagnosis, education, rehabilitation and treatment. To be eligible, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards as a Primary Stroke Center and meet additional requirements, including those related to advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments and staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.

*Joint Commission partnered with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to develop comprehensive, evidence-based stroke certifications that provide the highest national standards for safe, high-quality stroke care.

** Source: Statistical information provided by Texas Health Care Information Collection.