Hospital earns national Primary Stroke Center certification
Certification improves emergency response, treatment, and outcomes for stroke patients
Designation expands access to life-saving care in Walton County
MIRAMAR BEACH — When it comes to stroke care, every second matters. Now, patients along the Emerald Coast have greater access to life-saving treatment.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has been officially certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, recognizing the hospital’s ability to meet the specialized and urgent needs of stroke patients.
Primary Stroke Centers maintain dedicated infrastructure — including acute stroke teams, evidence-based care protocols, and patient support systems — designed to reduce complications, improve survival and recovery rates, and enhance long-term outcomes.
“When someone has a stroke, time is of the essence to ensure the best possible outcomes,” said Trey Abshier, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “As the only hospital in Walton County, our team has taken important steps to provide access to life-saving care to everyone in our community and the surrounding region.”
Stroke remains a leading health concern both locally and nationally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies from one. Stroke is also a major cause of long-term disability.
In Walton County, nearly 5% of adults have suffered a stroke, a rate more than one percentage point higher than the state average. Between 2021 and 2023, almost 650 Walton County residents were hospitalized due to stroke.
When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is disrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. For every minute treatment is delayed, an estimated 1.9 million brain cells are lost, underscoring the importance of immediate medical care when symptoms appear.
Patients who may benefit from care at a Primary Stroke Center include those experiencing ischemic strokes, large vessel occlusions, hemorrhagic strokes, and strokes caused by unusual or complex conditions requiring advanced testing or intervention.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is a full-service hospital providing 24/7 emergency care for adults and children. The Sacred Heart Health System was recently named a Top 15 Health System in the U.S. for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI. The hospital is also recognized for patient safety, experience, and satisfaction, and serves as a regional destination for heart care, cancer care, spine and joint surgery, and maternity services through its nationally recognized Family Birth Place.
More information is available at ascension.org/EmeraldCoastFL.
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