Identify Hospitals That Have Received Stroke-Center Certification

Not all hospitals have tPA medication. It is only available at larger hospitals and those designated as "primary stroke centers." Studies indicate that patients who go to primary stroke centers have better outcomes. Because your survivor is at increased risk, it would be a good idea for you to identify hospitals in your area that have received stroke- center certification from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Go to www.jcaho.org and click the "Certification Programs" tab, then click "Primary Stroke Centers."