Yoakum Community Hospital recently achieved designation as a Support Level III Stroke Facility in Trauma Service Area-S by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The hospital received a commendation for its ongoing commitment to ensure quality care is available for stroke patients in its area.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, in 2015 stroke was the third leading cause of death among Texans causing 44.6 deaths per 100,000 people. An ideal stroke system uses tiered levels of trauma centers to provide the most cost-effective care. The designation level (I, II, or III) ranks stroke trauma centers based on resource depth. In 2005, the 79th Legislature passed Senate Bill 330 with intent to construct an emergency treatment system in the state of Texas so that stroke victims may be quickly identified, transported, and treated in appropriate stroke treatment facilities. To this end, the Texas Department of State Health Services was given the authority to designate stroke centers in the state.

“Our designation confirms our ongoing commitment to providing quality emergency stroke care to Yoakum and surrounding communities. We commend our team on achieving this certification and all the additional work to prepare for the state regulator’s onsite visit,” says Karen Barber, YCH Chief Executive Officer. “By achieving a Support Level III Stroke facility designation, we reassure our community that they are in good hands when they enter our Emergency Room.”