Providence Holy Cross Becomes an Advanced Primary Stroke Center In June, 2010 PHCMC received Disease Specific Care Certification for Stroke from the Joint Commission. We are recognized as a primary stroke center and Emergency Medical Services diverts patients with stroke signs or symptoms to facilities such as ours with this designation. All five Providence hospitals in the Southern California region are now designated stroke centers. We Received the Bronze Award from The American Stroke Association in November 2010. This recognizes PHCMC as being competent with stroke core measures at least 80% of the time. Holy Cross will be eligible for the Silver Award from The American Stroke Association in January, 2011. Our Stroke Program has been actively involved in the community and is dedicated to providing education for stroke prevention. We have held two health fairs and one community lecture during 2010 at our Porter Ranch health center. Included in our community education and screenings were blood glucose screening, blood pressure screening, BMI testing and education regarding risk factors, signs and symptoms, as well as treatments. For high-risk patients we also offered carotid ultrasounds and cholesterol screening. This year we initiated a stroke support group available to the public that is administered through our rehabilitation therapies department.
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