CRMC Recognized as Acute Stroke Ready Hospital

CROSBY, Minn. – Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC), is pleased to be one of 121 hospitals across Minnesota designated as an “Acute Stroke Ready Hospital” (ASRH) by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Having an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital in a community can make a critical difference. According to MDH, stroke is the sixth leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability across the state. Over the past decade, Minnesota has implemented statewide initiatives to ensure hospitals are prepared to deliver high-quality stroke care. Today, 94% of Minnesotans live within a 30-minute drive of a designated Stroke System hospital.

Patients at CRMC have 24-hour access to stroke care experts through Allina Telehealth Neurology. This service allows expert stroke neurologists from the Twin Cities area to conduct real-time neurological assessments via telehealth equipment located in CRMC’s Emergency Department. This access to expertise and timely diagnosis improves the chances of a successful recovery and reduces long-term disability from stroke.

May is Stroke Awareness Month. When it comes to stroke, every second matters. The time between the first signs of stroke and the start of treatment plays a key role in determining a patient’s outcome. The acronym BE FAST helps quickly identify stroke symptoms: Balance issues, sudden dizziness or headache; Eyes with blurred or double vision; Face drooping or numbness; Arms feeling weak or numb; Speech that is slurred or unusual. Time is critical—if any of these signs appear, call 911 immediately.