JFK Memorial Hospital receives Primary Stroke Center designation

JFK Memorial Hospital is proud to announce their designation as a Primary Stroke Center by Riverside County Emergency Medical Services.

Local residents who are showing signs of a stroke, may now be transported by EMS to JFK for immediate care.

"Research shows that patients receiving care in a primary stroke center have a higher index of surviving and recovery than those treated in a hospital without this specialized care," said Gary Honts, CEO of JFK Memorial Hospital.

JFK Memorial Hospital made it their mission to be designates as a primary stroke center in the East Valley. Doctors, nurses and guests celebrated the hospital's designation.

Before the certification, the hospital would treat walk in or transfer patients to other hospitals in the area.

Mayor of Coachella expresses on the impact of the new primary stroke center in the East Valley.

"This does hit close to home for me.I actually loss my father- in- law after Christmas of a stroke and I think about had this facility been here. we would have not drove 20 minutes to get stroke care," said Steven Hernandez.

Steve Williams, a nurse supervisor of JFK Memorial Hospital, experienced a TIA while working. A TIA is a transient ischemic attack known to be a stroke that lasts a few minutes.

"Took me to the emergency room and did a CT scan I was diagnosed right away," said Williams. "because of their quick reaction and quick diagnosis I don't have any side affects." 

Williams said he's confident of the new services provided at the center.

"We're going to be able to provide residents with stroke care now which we couldn't do before we had to transfer everyone to Desert which is 20 miles away," said Williams.

Williams' expresses his gratitude for the care he has received.

"I am just thankful everyday to JFK for helping me through my crisis," said Williams.