01/22/07

INDIANAPOLIS -- When you or someone you love is having a stroke, getting rapid access to advanced treatment is critical to achieving better outcomes. In an effort to provide the best possible care to Hoosier stroke victims, Clarian Neuroscience is pleased to announce it has been designated as a primary stroke center by The Joint Commission.

"This designation demonstrates Clarian's commitment to the highest level of stroke care possible," says James Fleck, MD, medical director of Clarian stroke services. "Not only does it indicate we have the resources necessary to quickly meet the specialized needs of stroke patients, it also signifies the care we provide is effectively managed according to national standards, performance measures and improvement activities."

The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes medical facilities that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. The program -- which was developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association (ASA) -- is based on the Brain Attack Coalition's Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers.

"Stroke is the number one cause of disability and the third-leading cause of death in the United States," says Kevin Reed, director of clinical operations for Neuroscience and Critical Care. "Many stroke victims can be saved if they receive expert care in time. Clarian has been a national leader in advanced, comprehensive stroke treatment for many years, and is honored to receive this distinction."

Anyone who experiences symptoms of a stroke should call 911 immediately. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg -- especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headaches with no known cause

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's predominant accrediting body in health care, evaluating and certifying nearly 18,000 organizations and programs in the United States.

For more information on stroke prevention and treatment, visit www.acalltochange.org. For a free stroke information kit, call 916-3525 or toll-free 800-265-3220.

For media inquiries contact Olivia Huser at 317-962-4376.