Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital has been redesignated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare USA Inc., recognizing the hospital’s continued leadership in delivering advanced, lifesaving stroke care for patients across western Colorado.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center designation reflects the highest level of stroke care available. It recognizes hospitals that provide rapid diagnosis and treatment for the most complex stroke cases, including advanced imaging, specialized procedures, and around-the-clock care from highly trained teams. 

The redesignation affirms that Intermountain St. Mary’s provides the full spectrum of stroke care, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and education.

“This redesignation reflects the commitment of our caregivers to provide exceptional care when every second counts,” said Bryan Johnson, market president for Intermountain Health in Western Colorado. “We are proud to serve our community with advanced stroke care that helps improve outcomes and save lives.”

Intermountain St. Mary’s was first designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2020.

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. 

At Intermountain St. Mary’s, care teams work quickly to evaluate patients and begin treatment, helping reduce the risk of long-term disability. As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the hospital provides:

• 24/7 access to stroke specialists
• Advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities
• Specialized procedures for complex stroke cases
• Coordinated care from emergency response through rehabilitation

The designation also highlights the hospital’s focus on continuous improvement, quality outcomes, and collaboration across care teams — key elements of Intermountain Health’s commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate, patient-centered care.

"Our teams work together every day to make sure patients receive the right care as quickly as possible,” said Logan McDaneld, MD, medical director of Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital Neurology Stroke Program. “This recognition shows the strength of that teamwork and our dedication to the people we serve.”

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Knowing the signs of stroke — and acting quickly — can make a significant difference. Community members are encouraged to remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden vision changes
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital serves patients across the region, providing access to high-quality, specialized care close to home. The Comprehensive Stroke Center designation reinforces its role as a trusted resource for patients and families when they need it most.

When Stephen Cote woke up for work two years ago, it felt like an ordinary morning, until it wasn’t. 

“All of a sudden, things didn’t work right,” Cote said. “My arm, my speech, everything was off.” 

Cote was having a stroke. 

His wife, who has experience in emergency medical services, recognized the warning signs and called 911 immediately. 

“I don’t remember everything clearly,” Cote said. “But she knew right away something was wrong.” 

Jessica Telesco, stroke coordinator and nurse practitioner at Intermountain Health, said that quick response likely saved his life and helped limit the stroke’s long-term effects. 

During Stroke Awareness Month in May, Intermountain Health stroke experts say every minute without treatment can increase the risk of permanent brain injury. 

“Time is brain,” Telesco said. “The faster we identify a stroke and get a patient to the hospital, the more brain function we can preserve and the better the chance of recovery.” 

An ambulance took Cote to Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where he was treated before beginning intensive rehabilitation. 

After returning home, he continued therapy to rebuild strength, mobility, and independence. 

“It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through,” he said. 

Cote, who previously served in the military, said recovery required persistence, patience and consistency. 

He said every stroke is different, but progress comes through steady effort, support and continued care. 

“Your stroke might not be the same as someone else’s,” Cote said. “But overcoming the deficits is about the work you put into it.” 

Telesco said recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is just as important as recovery. Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision problems and loss of balance can all be signs.  

The acronym BE FAST — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, and Time, is commonly used to help people identify symptoms and respond quickly. 

“If you notice any of those signs, don’t wait to see if they go away,” Telesco said. “Calling 911 right away can save a life.” 

Today, Cote spends time supporting other stroke survivors, using his own experience to encourage people as they navigate recovery. 

“I know some people slip through the cracks,” he said. “They weren’t always getting the care they needed.”

As a volunteer, Cote checks in with patients after they have gone home from the hospital to ask about their recovery and whether they have returned to their daily activities. 

He also helps connect them with therapy services and community resources when needed. 

The work is personal for Cote. He understands the long road to recovery and the challenges that can come with it. 

One of his proudest milestones has been returning to the mountains. An avid skier before his stroke, Cote recently made it back onto the slopes. 

“That was huge,” he said. “Getting back out there meant everything.” 

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, but many cases can be prevented by managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting regular medical care. 

When a stroke does happen, early recognition and fast treatment can make a meaningful difference in recovery. 

For Cote and his family, that quick decision made all the difference. 

“If we had waited,” he said, “I don’t know where I’d be today.” 

May is Stroke Awareness Month.  

One in 20 adult deaths are due to strokes, strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is a term that physicians use when a part of the brain is damaged because of a problem with blood flow.  

Strokes can happen when: 

• An artery going to the brain gets clogged or closes off, and part of the brain goes without blood for too long. This accounts for approximately 85% of strokes.
• An artery breaks open and starts bleeding into or around the brain.  

The effects of a stroke depend on several factors including which part of the brain is affected and how quickly the stroke is treated.  

For Bryan Maples, 40, from Riverton, Utah, he just didn't feel right last December. 

"I didn't feel sick, I wasn't in pain," said Maples, explaining he mostly experienced weakness in his left side. He decided to be checked out at Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital. 

"They let me know that I had had a stroke," said Maples. " I was lucky enough to get there as quickly as I did, as opposed to people that had all the symptoms and may have longer lasting effects." 

“Quick medical treatment during a stroke is one of the most important factors in determining a good outcome,” said Jennelle Newman, NP, an advanced practice provider at Intermountain Health Neurology. “If a stroke does occur, there are treatments available to prevent long term brain injury but are very time sensitive.”  

Newman says a simple way to remember the signs of stroke is to BE FAST:  

• Balance: Sudden difficulty with balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain
• Face: Drooping or numbness on one side of the face
• Arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm
• Speech: Sudden difficulty, slurring, or inability to speak
• Time: know when the last time you or your loved one had normal symptoms. Call 911. 

The right treatment depends on what kind of stroke you are having. You need to get to the hospital very quickly to figure this out.  

People should still call 911 and go to the nearest emergency department for rapid evaluation. Quick treatment during a stroke is one of the most important factors in determining a good outcome. 

Stroke treatments are focused on restoring blood flow to the brain to prevent brain tissue from dying due to lack of blood flow. 

Treatments include a blood clot dissolving medication called tPA and a procedure that uses a catheter to pull blood clots out of large arteries in the brain. Both treatments can significantly reduce disability but are very time sensitive.  

Intermounain Health experts say many strokes can be prevented, though not all. You can greatly lower your chance of having a stroke by taking your medicines exactly as directed.   

Medicines that are especially important in preventing strokes include: 

• Blood pressure medicines
• Medicines called statins, which lower cholesterol
• Medicines to prevent blood clots, such aspirin or blood thinners
• Medicines that help to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible (if you have diabetes) 

Risks for strokes can be partially genetics (or related to family history), but many risk factors are controllable through awareness and lifestyle changes. The number one stroke risk factor is high blood pressure. 80% of strokes in America are preventable. It’s important for everyone to know their risk factors.  

Making lifestyle changes can also decrease your risk of stroke: 

• Stop smoking, if you smoke
• Get regular exercise (if your doctor says it's safe) for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
• Lose weight, if you are overweight
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, and low in meats, sweets, and refined grains (such as white bread or white rice)
• Eat less salt (sodium)
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• If you are female, do not drink more than 1 drink a day
• If you are male, do not drink more than 2 drinks a day 

“It’s vital to remain optimistic and recognize that the goal is to recover from a stroke. If you believe you or a loved one might be having a stroke, BE FAST and call 911,” said Newman. 

Scheduling an appointment now with a primary care provider for a regular check-up will help to discuss a plan to minimize potential risks.  

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Children in Utah and southern Idaho suffering from stroke now can see a pediatric stroke expert via Intermountain Children’s Health’s virtual stroke network – the largest, most robust in the country – and get the rapid, lifesaving diagnoses they need close to home.

The Intermountain Children’s Health Pediatric Telestroke network gives families access to a pediatric stroke expert at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in partnership with University of Utah Health’s Department of Pediatrics, at a time when every second counts.

Telestroke access is available to kids at any one of Intermountain Health’s 24 hospitals in Utah and Idaho.

“Kids have strokes too,” said Lisa Pabst, MD, pediatric neurologist and stroke expert at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “But often diagnosis is delayed, or kids get a misdiagnosis, because stroke presents differently in kids than it does in adults. It’s important for emergency rooms to know the signs, and take fast action to save a child’s future mobility and possibly, their life.”

Stroke is caused when blood flow in the brain is blocked, causing parts of the brain to be deprived of oxygen and start to die.

With stroke, the faster the diagnosis and treatment, the better the outcome. This is true for patients of all ages, including infants.

But kids having strokes rarely get the rapid response they need, and have disproportionate rates of disability and death due to stroke.

That’s because stroke is less common in children, and the symptoms look different than they do in adults. Kids having a stroke may have face-drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, and confusion – also common symptoms of adult stroke. But infants and toddlers having a stroke may also appear unresponsive or extremely sleepy, have a seizure, or use only half their bodies. Older children may experience dizziness or sudden, severe headaches and vomiting.

That’s what happened to Lucy Merrell, now a high school sophomore and stroke survivor.

In the spring of Lucy’s eighth-grade year, she was gearing up for a two-hour soccer practice when she got a splitting headache. Lying down didn’t help.

“I didn’t know what to do and immediately had a thought in my head to go and find mom,” said Lucy, who lives in American Fork. “I was going down the hall and trying to hold on. I was trying to speak, but couldn’t think of the words. I knew what I wanted to say, but it wouldn’t come out.”

Lucy’s mom Melanie at first thought Lucy was teasing because she didn’t want to go to practice. She quickly realized it was no joke.

“Lucy sat on the floor and then couldn’t pull herself up to the couch. I noticed one side of her face was droopy,” Melanie said. “I’m thinking, why am I seeing signs of stroke in her? Kids don’t have strokes.”

Lucy’s family took her to a local emergency room, where her dad encouraged a doctor to call Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. There, the pediatric neurology team guided the doctor through an exam, ordered at CT scan and MRI, and diagnosed Lucy with ischemic stroke, which is a critical reduction in blood flow to the brain.

Lucy was rushed by ambulance to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City where Craig Kilburg, MD, a board certified endovascular and open vascular neurosurgeon at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, removed two blood clots from her brain.

While recovering in the hospital a few days later, Lucy suffered another stroke. The part of her brain affected by the stroke had briefly worsened, because the vessel supplying blood to it was irritated, Dr. Pabst said. Bed rest, fluids, and medications helped stabilize blood flow and gave the blood vessel time to recover.

While classmates were completing the school year, Lucy focused on physical, occupational and speech therapies.

A few months later, Lucy was able to join her classmates on the first day of high school. She took honors classes and earned all A’s.

The accomplishment was nothing short of a miracle – one of many her parents say they experienced.

“To see how big the stroke was on the MRI, and have it be where she doesn’t exhibit any symptoms of it, that is a miracle,” said Lucy’s dad Randy, also expressing gratitude for the expertise of Drs. Pabst and Kilburg.

Lucy’s April 2024 stroke happened shortly before Intermountain Children’s Health’s Telestroke rollout. Luckily, the local doctor’s phone call to Dr. Pabst’s team prevented what could have been a tragedy.

“The new Intermountain Children’s Health virtual network of care gives patients access to the highest quality of care from experts at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, regardless of where they live within the network,” said Amy Back, RN, Director of Pediatric Telehealth Services for Intermountain Children’s Health. “This will help improve kids’ health outcomes and lower costs to families. Plus, it’s the right thing to do.”

The Intermountain Children’s Health Telestroke network promises to help kids like Lucy access the same expertise from any of Intermountain Health’s 24 hospitals in Utah or southern Idaho. Here’s how it works:

• Emergency room caregivers use Telestroke to connect to Dr. Pabst and her team at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

• Primary Children’s stroke experts see the child through video conferencing and ask questions. They work with the local team to run diagnostics, which may include asking the child to respond to commands like lifting one arm or kicking one leg.

• The physicians in both locations determine next steps for treatment with the goal of restoring blood flow to the brain. This may include having the child lie flat, administering IV fluids and/or blood-thinning medications, or in more severe cases, transferring the child to Primary Children’s Hospital for ongoing care, which may include surgery.

To be successful, the pediatric Telestroke network required collaboration, education, and training with each of the 24 hospitals’ emergency physicians and caregivers working in related areas, including stroke coordinators, Dr. Pabst said.

During its phase-in year, the Telestroke network helped 19 children. Dr. Pabst says the number may rise through 2026 because it is now fully implemented in Intermountain Health’s Utah and Idaho hospitals – and expansion is currently underway, made possible by support from Intermountain Foundation.

In the future, Intermountain Children’s Health leaders want to expand Telestroke access to other Intermountain care sites in Nevada, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming to help even more kids like Lucy.

Today, Lucy likes to do arts and crafts, design sweatshirts, and bake triple chocolate chunk cookies. She loves to sing and just returned from New York City where she and her school choir group performed at Carnegie Hall. She enjoys working at a local restaurant – her first job – driving and being with family and friends.

On the April 8 anniversary of her stroke, she and her family want to prepare meals for other families at the hospital’s Ronald McDonald Family Room, where they were helped. 

They also plan to continue taking part in the American Heart Association’s annual Utah Heart and Stroke Walk, which has been humbling for Lucy. Her premiere walk team included Dr. Pabst and her care team, family, friends, and two child stroke survivors who at the time used wheelchairs.

“I was the only stroke survivor who could walk,” she said of her first Stroke Walk. “It was hard to see the other kids in wheelchairs, but I know they will all heal because I was healed.” 

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A stroke can affect anyone at any age; however, they are less common in younger individuals. 

That is why when Krista Jenkins woke up one morning last January, her condition surprised her and her family.

“My dog was whining, and I called to her to be quiet, but it didn’t come out quite right,” said Jenkins, a 33-year-old mother of two from Fairview, Utah. “It was just like a jumble of slurred words.”

Her boyfriend, Tyrell Hammon, was concerned. 

Although Jenkins told him she was alright, he had recently had stroke awareness training through work at Christensen Ready Mix. 

“He was like, no, I think we need to go to the doctor,” she said.

Although Jenkins didn’t have many of the other common symptoms of stroke such as balance problems, eye or vision concerns, face dropping, or arm weakness, the speech issues in a woman so young caused concern for caregivers at Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital.

“Krista mentioned that her tongue felt swollen, so I checked but didn’t see that,” said Brett Johnson, DO, a family medicine physician and stroke and trauma medical director at Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital. “I asked her if her tongue felt numb and I asked her boyfriend if she was having a hard time speaking.  He replied, ‘Yes,’ and went on to say that she couldn’t get her words out that morning.”

Dr. Johnson, who was manning the ER, said they started looking at the possibility of stroke, but a CT scan of Jenkins’ brain came back negative.

After consulting with Intermountain Health’s Telestroke neurologists, Dr. Johnson told Jenkins he wanted to do an MRI which revealed the stroke.

“They got me right back and did two MRIs and six CT scans and found that I had had two mini strokes,” said Jenkins. 

She was immediately transported to Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.

Jenkins described having two clots, one in the right cerebral hemisphere and one in the left middle frontal gyrus. 

“With the size of the clots, it’s a wonder I didn’t have more symptoms.”

Now in recovery, Jenkins is encouraging others to be aware of symptoms and to act fast if there are concerns. “Time is so important,” she said.

Quick medical treatment during a stroke is one of the most important factors in determining a good outcome. If a stroke does occur, there are treatments available to prevent long-term brain injury. These treatments are focused on restoring blood flow to the brain to prevent brain tissue from dying due to lack of blood flow.

The Intermountain Health neurosciences team is focused on saving brain and improving outcomes for stroke patients because every second a person has a stroke, 32,000 neurons die.

Treatments include a blood clot dissolving medication called tenectaplase (tPA) and a procedure that uses a catheter to pull blood clots out of large arteries in the brain. Both treatments can significantly reduce potential disability but are very time sensitive.

Strokes, which occur when a part of the brain is damaged due to a problem with blood flow, are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. One in 20 adult deaths are due to strokes.

Intermountain Health experts say that, when it comes to strokes, individuals should “B.E. F.A.S.T” and call 911 when you see these signs:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden change in vision
• Face: Sudden weakness of the face
• Arm: Sudden weakness of an arm or leg
• Speech: Sudden difficulty speaking
• Time: Time the symptoms started.

An estimated 610,000 people in the United States suffer a new stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 

While some factors that increase the risk of stroke — such as age, gender and ethnicity, can’t be controlled — managing unhealthy habits, including smoking, excessive drinking, poor eating habits, and inactivity, can reduce your risk of stroke.

Jenkins expresses gratitude that her boyfriend knew the symptoms, and for the care she received at both hospitals.

“Dr. Johnson was really thorough,” said Jenkins. “I’m so glad he caught this. He was just so willing to look into it and go as far as he needed to get it figured out. The doctors at Utah Valley also said he was really thorough.”

If you see someone exhibiting signs of stroke, remember to B.E. F.A.S.T. and call 9-1-1.

La carrera anual Heart and Sole, una tradición del fin de semana del Día del Padre presentada por Intermountain Health, se llevará a cabo el 14 de junio en respaldo de Billings Family YMCA y Billings TrailNet, dos organizaciones que se dedican a promover una comunidad más saludable en Billings.  

El evento de este año es particularmente significativo para el artista local y diseñador gráfico Bob Tambo, quien ha apoyado la carrera durante la última década al diseñar el logo y la camiseta de la carrera como jefe de Rebel River Creative. 

En febrero, Tambo sufrió un accidente cerebrovascular y recibió una atención excepcional de parte de los empleados de Intermountain Health para recuperar su salud por completo. 

La mañana en que Tambo sufrió el accidente cerebrovascular había comenzado como cualquier otra, pero él notó síntomas leves y preocupantes.  

"Me desperté sintiéndome cansado y noté que mi mano parecía entumecerse”, explicó Tambo. “Cuando fui al baño, se me cayó algo y cuando intenté recogerlo, no podía abrir la mano y dije ‘oh no, mejor voy al médico’”.  

En la sala de emergencias de Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, los médicos evaluaron a Tambo y confirmaron que estaba sufriendo un accidente cerebrovascular. 

El equipo de St. Vincent administró rápido la terapia trombolítica para tratar un accidente cerebrovascular, también conocida como medicamento destructor de coágulos sanguíneos, que restituye la circulación de la sangre en el cerebro para reducir daños. El tratamiento debe administrarse dentro de las 4 horas y media del inicio del accidente cerebrovascular para que el paciente cuente con la mayor posibilidad de alcanzar un buen resultado. Tambo tuvo la suerte de reconocer sus síntomas y actuar rápido.  

“Si hubiese esperado más tiempo, podría haber sido mucho más grave”, indicó Tambo. 

Sus síntomas comenzaron a resolverse, pero todavía sentía debilidad en la mano derecha. 

 Como artista, recuperar el movimiento de la mano era importante para su trabajo y calidad de vida. Para recuperar la fuerza y el movimiento, Tambo comenzó a trabajar con el equipo en el hospital y continuó en la clínica de terapia de Intermountain Health. 

“Fui a rehabilitación al día siguiente y Will (Meredith), el terapeuta ocupacional, me ayudó mucho”, comentó Tambo. 

Trabajó con Meredith durante 12 semanas para recuperar su fuerza y habilidad. 

Como parte de la terapia, Meredith motivó a Tambo para que comenzara un diario para trabajar en la escritura y los dibujos. Ahora, tras lograr el 90 %, Tambo agradece al equipo de atención por su apoyo. Para demostrar su gratitud y compartir su evolución clínica, Tambo dibujó un retrato de Meredith y se lo entregó para darle las gracias. 

"Bob fue un paciente excepcional. Hizo lo correcto desde el comienzo, al buscar atención de emergencia de inmediato luego de que aparecieran los síntomas y al comprometerse con la terapia ambulatoria por completo”, explicó Meredith. Su participación constante, diligencia y método proactivo fueron factores clave para la evolución clínica extraordinaria que logró”.    

Mientras recupera su salud y reflexiona acerca de la próxima carrera Heart and Sole, Tambo se siente incluso más agradecido y apoya los recursos comunitarios de YMCA y TrailNet que brindan acceso para que la comunidad de Billings se mantenga saludable y recupere su salud. 

La conexión de Tambo con YMCA es profunda, ya que trabajó allí durante 14 años en los programas deportivos juveniles y las clases de arte. “YMCA es un recurso invaluable”, dijo Tambo. “Para las familias y la comunidad de Billings, no creo que haya algo que se le compare”. 

Mientras Tambo continúa con su recuperación, se siente entusiasmado de apoyar la carrera Heart and Sole este año y en el futuro, y desea poder caminar durante la carrera.  

"Esta carrera se trata de algo más que solo correr: se trata de unirnos en comunidad para apoyarnos unos a otros y crear un futuro más saludable para Billings”, explicó Tyler Wiltgen, director ejecutivo de la fundación de Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital. 

 “Escuchar la historia de Bob sobre el apoyo que recibió de los empleados de Intermountain Health nos muestra la conexión cercana que tenemos con esta comunidad. Nos enorgullece ayudarlo a que recupere su salud y unirnos a él para apoyar este evento importante para la comunidad”. 

Se invita a la comunidad a unirse a Tambo, Intermountain Health, y muchos más de la zona de Billings para la carrera Heart and Sole. Las personas y sus familias pueden participar corriendo, caminando o como voluntarios. 

Para obtener más información e inscribirse en la carrera, visite https://heartandsolerace.org/.     

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes disponibles a pedido.

When it comes to stroke care, Utahns are getting the fastest treatment in the nation – saving lives and precious brain cells, according to new data from the American Heart Association’s "Get With The Guidelines" database. 

Thanks to state-of-the-art medications and innovative treatment protocols that utilize multi-disciplinary medical teams to mobilize immediate care for stroke patients and close coordination with first responders, Intermountain Health hospitals are helping to contribute to Utah’s #1 placement in the nation. 

According to the AHA’s "Get With The Guidelines" database, 94.5% of stroke patients at Intermountain Health stroke centers (Intermountain Medical Center, McKay-Dee, St. George, and Utah Valley Hospitals) receive life-saving clot-busting medication treatment within 45 minutes or less of their arrival to an emergency department. 

The national stroke database in conjunction with the American Heart Association ranked Utah as the top-performing state in the nation in meeting the AHA target of door-to-needle time (less than 45 minutes) for 87.1% of stroke patients. 

Strokes, which occur when a part of the brain is damaged due to a problem with blood flow, 
are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. 1 in 20 adult deaths are due to strokes. 

Quick medical treatment during a stroke is one of the most important factors in determining a good outcome. If a stroke does occur, there are treatments available to prevent long term brain injury. These treatments are focused on restoring blood flow to the brain to prevent brain tissue from dying due to lack of blood flow. 

Treatments include a blood clot dissolving medication called tPA and a procedure that uses a catheter to pull blood clots out of large arteries in the brain. Both treatments can significantly reduce potential disability but are very time sensitive. 

“During a stroke, every minute that passes leads to irreversible brain injury and to more severe long-term symptoms for patients,” said Paul Johnson, MD, Intermountain Health stroke neurologist and medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Program at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. “Neurologists often say that ‘time is brain’ as a reminder that any delay in treatment leads to a loss of brain function. Our ‘time is brain’ mantra focuses everything we do on getting patients the right care, as quickly as possible.” 

In early 2024, Ed “Ted” Itchon found himself disoriented and on the floor when he went to use his bathroom around 2 am. 

His wife, Ann, heard the commotion and went into the bathroom to find Itchon face down and moaning. She knew something was wrong and quickly called 911. 

The paramedics quickly arrived at the Itchon home in West Valley City and noticed Itchon’s left side of his face was drooping and entire left side paralyzed as they helped him. He was having a stroke, and he was quickly rushed to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. 

At the hospital, a specialized stroke team led by Dr. Johnson administered a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) medication to dissolve the blot clot in Itchon’s brain. Dr. Johnson was Itchon’s stroke neurologist who assessed and treated him with the tPA in the ER as well as coordinated his initial care and next steps. 

Itchon was then reunited with Ann where she was able to express her love for him and assure him that all would be well. 

He was then taken into surgery where a thrombectomy was successfully performed to remove the blood clot in his brain. 

Itchon is one of several patients to have a successful and relatively speedy recovery thanks to the quick door to needle time as well as speech, physical therapy, and acupuncture for some effects the stroke impacted on his foot. 

The Intermountain Health neurosciences team is focused on saving brain and improving outcomes for stroke patients because every second a person is having a stroke, 32,000 neurons die. 

Ultimately, Utah is saving the most brain in the country. 

Intermountain Health’s neurosciences department makes a continuous focus to evaluate and treat stroke patients as rapidly as possible. 

“Protocols and policies are continuously being improved to make treatment more efficient,” said Dr. Johnson. 

“In recent years, they have changed the workflow in the emergency department to expedite CT imaging, as well as procedures for preparing and administering clot busting medications.” 

Additionally, Intermountain Medical Center is one of the few large hospitals in the country in which stroke patients are evaluated by attending neurologists 24/7. 

Over 88% of patients receive treatment in 30 minutes or less, compared to 58% for other Joint Commission Certified comprehensive stroke centers. In 2024 the median door to needle time was a remarkable 22.5 minutes, compared to 34 minutes for other comprehensive centers. 

The Itchons are grateful for Ted’s medical team who contributed to saving his life. 

"It was fantastic that everyone reacted so quickly- from the fire department to the doctors," said Ann. “Ted was already given the blood clot medicine and was being prepped for surgery by the time I arrived at the hospital. They caught the stroke really fast." 

“Faster treatment of a stroke leads to better outcomes, but doing so safely requires the collaboration of many different teams and health care providers, ranging from medics to Emergency Medicine doctors, nurses and stroke neurologists,” said Dr. Johnson. “At Intermountain Health, we are proud that our stroke program and high-quality care has contributed to the overall success in the state.” 

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and video available upon request.

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, strokes were the sixth leading cause of death in 2020.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

The Get With the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. This program helps improve stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

The Intermountain Health team of specialists has developed protocols that shorten the amount of time it takes to diagnose and treat a stroke. This is important because a quick diagnosis and treatment can mean less long-term damage, less disability, and better overall outcomes.

Intermountain Health offers a full spectrum of specialized care that ranges from neuro critical care through acute care and into rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. 

“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our team of physicians, APPs, nurses, and technicians to the community we are so honored to serve. We have a saying in neurology that ‘Time is Brain’, because the sooner we treat stroke patients, the better their outcomes will be,” said Katherine Thomas, MD, chief medical officer for Intermountain Medical Center.

“We are committed to continually assessing and refining our stroke processes while leveraging our incredible caregivers to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality stroke care.” 

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Intermountain Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With the Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Intermountain Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award, the AHA’s Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award, and the AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award.

To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy. Additionally, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.

“Intermountain Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Thomas. “The Get With the Guidelines program makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our community experience longer, healthier lives.”

The Target: Type 2 Diabetes program aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

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El accidente cerebrovascular es la quinta causa principal de muerte y una de las principales causas de discapacidad en los Estados Unidos. Según el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Utah, los accidentes cerebrovasculares fueron la sexta causa principal de muerte en 2020.

Un accidente cerebrovascular ocurre cuando un vaso sanguíneo que transporta oxígeno y nutrientes al cerebro está bloqueado por un coágulo o se rompe. Cuando eso sucede, una parte del cerebro no puede obtener la sangre y el oxígeno que necesita, por lo que las células cerebrales mueren. La detección y el tratamiento tempranos del accidente cerebrovascular son clave para mejorar la supervivencia, minimizar la discapacidad y acelerar los tiempos de recuperación.

Get With the Guidelines pone la experiencia de la Asociación Americana del Corazón y la Asociación Americana de Accidentes Cerebrovasculares al servicio de los hospitales de todo el país, ayudando a garantizar que la atención al paciente esté alineada con las últimas directrices basadas en la investigación y la evidencia. Este programa ayuda a mejorar la atención de los accidentes cerebrovasculares al promover el cumplimiento constante de estas pautas, lo que puede minimizar los efectos a largo plazo de un accidente cerebrovascular e incluso prevenir la muerte.

El equipo de especialistas de Intermountain Health ha desarrollado protocolos que acortan la cantidad de tiempo que se tarda en diagnosticar y tratar un accidente cerebrovascular. Esto es importante porque un diagnóstico y tratamiento rápidos pueden significar menos daño a largo plazo, menos discapacidad y mejores resultados generales.

Intermountain Health ofrece un espectro completo de atención especializada que abarca desde la atención neurocrítica hasta la atención aguda y la rehabilitación y la terapia ambulatoria.

"Este reconocimiento refleja la dedicación inquebrantable de nuestro equipo de médicos, APP, enfermeras y técnicos a la comunidad a la que nos sentimos tan honrados de servir. Tenemos un dicho en neurología que dice que 'el tiempo es cerebro', porque cuanto antes tratemos a los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular, mejores serán sus resultados", dijo Katherine Thomas, MD, directora médica de Intermountain Medical Center.

"Estamos comprometidos a evaluar y refinar continuamente nuestros procesos de accidente cerebrovascular mientras aprovechamos a nuestros increíbles cuidadores para garantizar que cada paciente reciba atención de la más alta calidad para el accidente cerebrovascular".

"Estamos increíblemente complacidos de reconocer a Intermountain Medical Center por su compromiso con el cuidado de los pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares", dijo Steven Messe, MD, presidente voluntario del Grupo Asesor del Sistema de Atención de Accidentes Cerebrovasculares de la Asociación Estadounidense del Corazón y profesor de neurología y director de becas de neurología en el Hospital de la Universidad de Pensilvania. "La participación en Get With the Guidelines se asocia con mejores resultados para los pacientes, menos readmisiones y menores tasas de mortalidad, una victoria para los sistemas de atención médica, las familias y las comunidades".

Intermountain Medical Center también recibió el premio Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus de la American Heart Association, el premio Honor Roll Advanced Therapy de la AHA y el premio Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll de la AHA.

Para calificar para este reconocimiento, los hospitales deben cumplir con criterios específicos que reduzcan el tiempo entre la llegada de un paciente elegible al hospital y el tratamiento con terapia trombolítica. Además, los hospitales deben cumplir con criterios específicos que reduzcan el tiempo entre la llegada de un paciente elegible al hospital y el tratamiento para eliminar el coágulo que causa el accidente cerebrovascular.

"Intermountain Medical Center está comprometido a mejorar la atención al paciente al adherirse a las últimas pautas de tratamiento", dijo el Dr. Thomas. "El programa Get With the Guidelines hace que sea más fácil para nuestros equipos poner en práctica el conocimiento y las pautas comprobados a diario, lo que los estudios muestran que puede ayudar a los pacientes a recuperarse mejor. El objetivo final es garantizar que más personas de nuestra comunidad experimenten vidas más largas y saludables".

El objetivo: El programa de diabetes tipo 2 tiene como objetivo garantizar que los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2, que podrían tener un mayor riesgo de complicaciones, reciban la atención más actualizada y basada en evidencia cuando sean hospitalizados debido a un accidente cerebrovascular.

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Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is the recipient of the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guideline’s Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its work to ensure that stroke patients in Southern Utah receive the most appropriate treatment, according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.  

Because of these efforts, Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is helping to save lives and reduce disability for stroke patients, according to the AHA. 

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. 

 “Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Tyler Owens, MD, stroke medical director at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. “These national guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work daily, which studies show can help patients recover better. Our goal is to ensure people in Southern Utah who experience a stroke can experience longer, healthier lives.” 

 Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their hospital or health system has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With the Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. 

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With the Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates, which is a win for health care systems, families, and communities.”

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital also received the AHA’s Target: Stroke Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital is also the recipient of the the AHA’sTarget: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.

Additionally, Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital received the AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. This award recognizes hospitals who work to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

“Patients who experience a cerebrovascular event require fast, efficient, and detail-oriented care. It takes tireless work and attention to create a system of care that provides each patient the best outcome possible,” said Dr. Owens. “It’s a responsibility that we hold with pride. Being recognized as an elite stroke center comes as no easy feat. We’re grateful to our unique community of caretakers, coordinators, and leaders who made this achievement possible. We aim to continue to grow as a team and earn this award again next year.”

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Cuando se trata de un accidente cerebrovascular, cada segundo cuenta. Para los pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos, recibir medicamentos lo antes posible para disolver los coágulos y restablecer el flujo sanguíneo al cerebro es fundamental porque cada minuto que pasa significa que más células cerebrales son privadas de oxígeno y posiblemente se pierdan.   

Si bien la práctica basada en evidencia a menudo se entiende claramente, la coordinación necesaria para mejorar la administración oportuna de los medicamentos para disolver coágulos presenta desafíos de implementación únicos para los sistemas de atención médica.

Ahora un nuevo estudio de investigadores de neurología y científicos de implementación de Intermountain Health demuestra que cuando se implementa un protocolo de accidentes cerebrovasculares en todo el sistema con un grado de adaptación local en un sistema de salud, el tiempo de tratamiento para los pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares en todos los hospitales afectados mejora significativamente, lo que les brinda a los pacientes una mayor posibilidad de supervivencia y recuperación. 

Para el estudio, los líderes de neurología de Intermountain trabajaron para ayudar a cada uno de los hospitales de Intermountain, rurales y urbanos, grandes y pequeños, a personalizar la implementación de protocolos para que se adapten al entorno único y la población de pacientes de ese hospital. 

Casi todos los hospitales participantes notaron una caída drástica en la brecha entre la llamada de ayuda de un paciente y la administración del medicamento para disolver coágulos, tPA. Varios hospitales mejoraron en más de 20 minutos, lo que se traduce en muchas células cerebrales salvadas.

Los hallazgos del nuevo estudio que examina la implementación en todo el sistema están publicados este mes en la revista Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

“Queremos proporcionar la misma atención de accidentes cerebrovasculares de alta calidad en todo nuestro sistema de atención médica, ya sea que acuda a nuestro hospital urbano insignia o a un hospital rural pequeño que tal vez solo atienda a pacientes que necesitan un medicamento tPA una o dos veces al año”, dijo Kathleen McKee, MD, coautora principal del estudio y directora médica adjunta de investigación de neurociencias en Intermountain Healthcare. “Esta investigación muestra que nos estamos acercando a esa realidad”. 

“La administración de atención de accidentes cerebrovasculares agudos es compleja en un departamento de emergencias. Esto puede presentar desafíos para los médicos clínicos que buscan brindar atención de alta calidad para cada paciente. En este estudio, descubrimos que definir principalmente ‘qué’ debía ocurrir en todos los departamentos de emergencias, y a la vez proporcionarle a cada sitio flexibilidad o adaptación a sus circunstancias locales condujo a una mejor atención en todos los sitios”, señaló Andrew Knighton, PhD, un científico de implementación y coautor principal del estudio.   

El estudio involucró a 21 departamentos de emergencias de Intermountain Health en Utah y Idaho, de los cuales cuatro eran centro especializados de accidentes cerebrovasculares. Para el estudio, cada hospital recibió estrategias de implementación de atención de accidentes cerebrovasculares agudos para proporcionar el medicamento tPA a los pacientes adecuados lo antes posible, ya que una investigación anterior demostró que el tPA administrado dentro de las seis horas de un accidente cerebrovascular aumenta significativamente las probabilidades de que alguien sobreviva a un accidente cerebrovascular y reduce las probabilidades de discapacidad. 

Cada hospital trabajó con un equipo central de Intermountain Health para proponer qué estrategias de implementación funcionarían mejor para el despliegue del protocolo dentro de su departamento de emergencias. Esto provocó que cada departamento de emergencias propusiera soluciones de implementación únicas adaptadas específicamente a sus necesidades y las de sus pacientes para la administración oportuna de tPA. 

En el estudio, los investigadores registraron la eficacia de la implementación del programa de atención de accidentes cerebrovasculares agudos desde enero de 2018 hasta febrero de 2020. Durante ese tiempo, los departamentos de emergencias de dichos hospitales tuvieron 855,474 encuentros con pacientes, con 5,325 activaciones de código de accidente cerebrovascular. De esos pacientes, 615 recibieron tPA en menos de tres horas de la aparición de los síntomas. 

El equipo de investigación midió los tiempos puerta-aguja, o el tiempo desde que un paciente llega al departamento de emergencias hasta que la aguja intravenosa administra tPA.   

El estudio demostró que el porcentaje de tiempos puerta-aguja por debajo de los 60 minutos aumentó del 72.5% al 86.1%. Los investigadores también hallaron la mayor mejora en los departamentos de emergencias de centros no especializados en accidentes cerebrovasculares rurales y fronterizos. 

“Esto sugiere que pueden existir diferencias contextuales adicionales entre los departamentos de emergencias de centros no especializados en accidentes cerebrovasculares que deben comprenderse mejor, tal vez impulsadas por las diferencias en los volúmenes de pacientes, el liderazgo y la toma de decisiones de los sitios, las dinámicas de los equipos y los recursos”, señaló Knighton.

En general, los investigadores de Intermountain indicaron que el estudio demuestra que se puede utilizar un enfoque centralizado pero personalizado a nivel local para mejorar la atención de accidentes cerebrovasculares agudos en departamentos de emergencias muy diversos. 

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When it comes to a stroke, every second counts. For patients with ischemic strokes, getting medication as quickly as possible to break up clots and restore blood flow to the brain is critical because every passing minute means more brain cells are deprived of oxygen and possibly lost. 

While the evidence-based practice is often clearly understood – the coordination required to improve timely delivery of clot-busting medication presents unique implementation challenges for healthcare delivery systems.

Now, a new study from neurology researchers and implementation scientists at Intermountain Health demonstrates that when a systemwide stroke protocol is implemented with a degree of local tailoring across a health system, treatment time for stoke patients at all impacted hospitals significantly improves giving patients a better chance at survival and recovery.

For the study, neurology leaders at Intermountain worked to empower each of the Intermountain hospitals – rural and urban, large and small – to customize the implementation of protocols to fit that hospital’s unique environment and patient population.

Nearly all participating hospitals saw a dramatic drop in the gap between when a patient calls for help, and when clot-busting medication, tPA, is administered. Several hospitals improved by more than 20 minutes – which translates into a lot of brain cells saved.

Findings from the new study examining the systemwide implementation are published this month in the journal, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

“We want to provide the same high quality stroke care throughout our entire healthcare system, whether you come into our flagship urban hospital, or a small rural hospital that might only see patients who need tPA medication once or twice a year,” said Kathleen McKee, MD, co-lead author of the study and associate medical director of neurosciences research at Intermountain Healthcare. “This research shows we’re getting closer to that reality.”

“The delivery of acute stroke care is complex within an emergency department. This can present challenges for clinicians seeking to deliver high quality care for each patient. In this study, we found that defining centrally ‘what’ needed to happen across all emergency departments, while providing each site with flexibility or tailoring to their local circumstances led to better care across all sites,” said Andrew Knighton, PhD, an implementation scientist and co-lead author on the study. 

The study involved 21 Intermountain Health emergency departments in Utah and Idaho, with four being dedicated stroke centers. For the study, each hospital site received acute stroke care implementation strategies to get tPA medication to appropriate patients as soon as possible, as previous research has shown that tPA given within six hours of a stroke significantly increases the chance of someone surviving a stroke and reduces chances of disability.

Each hospital worked with a central Intermountain Health team to brainstorm what implementation strategies would work best for deployment of the protocol within their emergency department. This led to each emergency department coming up with unique implementation solutions specifically tailored to their and their patients’ needs for timely tPA delivery.

In the study, researchers tracked the effectiveness of the acute stroke care program’s implementation from January 2018 to February 2020. During that time, those hospital emergency departments had 855,474 patient encounters, with 5,325 code stroke activations. Of those, 615 patients received tPA in less than three hours of symptom onset.

The research team measured door-to-needle (DTN) times—or the time from when a patient arrives in the emergency department to the time the intravenous needle delivers tPA.  

The study demonstrated that the percentage of DTN times under 60 minutes increased from 72.5% to 86.1%. Researchers also found the biggest improvement in rural and frontier non-stroke center emergency departments.

“This suggests further contextual differences may exist between non-stroke center emergency departments that need to be better understood, driven perhaps by differences in patient volumes, site leadership and decision-making, team dynamics, and resources,” said Knighton.

Overall, the Intermountain researchers say the study demonstrates that a centrally led but locally customized approach can be utilized to improve acute stroke care across very diverse emergency departments.

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