RiverView Health Designated as a Stroke Ready Hospital

Every second counts when someone is having a stroke. That is why it is vital that RiverView Health is equipped and ready to evaluate, stabilize, and provide emergency treatment to patients with acute stroke symptoms—improving the chances of better outcomes. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently redesignated RiverView as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH). This designation is part of the Minnesota Stroke Program, which is committed to reducing the burden of stroke by increasing community awareness, providing ongoing education for healthcare providers, and continuously improving the statewide system of stroke care. "Being an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital ensures prompt, efficient stroke care aligning with state guidelines and standards when time is critical," shared Kayla Jossund, RN, and RiverView's Trauma/Stroke Program coordinator since fall 2024. "This designation provides us with the knowledge, tools, and resources to improve the outcomes and quality of the lives of our patients." MDH's goal is to ensure hospitals meet stroke-ready criteria so that all Minnesotans live within 30 minutes of a facility prepared to deliver the best possible stroke care. Currently, 94% of Minnesotans fall within that 30- minute window.