Northeast Regional Medical Center Achieves Renewal of Level III Stroke Center Designation

5/14/2025

KIRKSVILLE, MO - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Time Critical Diagnosis Unit recently awarded Level III Missouri Stroke designation to Northeast Regional Medical Center.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, stroke is the sixth leading cause of death in Missouri. Stroke victims who receive treatment within a specific time frame are more likely to recover and less likely to suffer permanent disabilities. Hospitals with the Level III Stroke designation must prove that they can recognize and treat stroke patients with verified resources, capacity, and capability to ensure the timely treatment.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and the hard work put into maintaining Level III Stroke designation standards,” stated Patrick Avila, CEO at NRMC. “Being in a rural area makes it all the more essential for our hospital to provide quick recognition and treatment of critical conditions like stroke, and we take pride in being able to offer this service to the surrounding communities.”

The Time Critical Diagnosis System in Missouri ensures that patients receive prompt and effective care for critical and time-sensitive conditions, such as stroke, trauma, and STEMI (a form of heart attack). NRMC is a designated Level III Stroke, Trauma and STEMI center.

NRMC also wants to remind the community of stroke symptoms as the key to avoiding stroke-related death is to get the patient treatment F.A.S.T. The FAST acronym is a reminder to look for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Slurred speech – Time to call 9-1-1. Other symptoms can include sudden and severe headache pain, confusion, numbness of arms or legs, and loss of vision. Treatment must be administered quickly to avoid irreversible damage, so if in any doubt at all – call 9-1-1.

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