This story was revised in April 2024.

Community Regional Medical Center has been recognized by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

A Comprehensive Stroke Center cares for all types of patients, treating the most complex stroke cases — including bleeding (or hemorrhagic) strokes and ischemic strokes, as well as offering 24/7 access to a team of on-site neurosurgical experts.

The highest level of care for stroke patients 24/7

Community Regional is the only hospital in Fresno to be recognized for this advanced level of stroke care and the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the five county region (Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings and Tulare counties). A Comprehensive Stroke Center is the highest level of certification a hospital can receive.

“Attaining Comprehensive Stroke Center status is a huge accomplishment for our stroke team and a great resource, not only for our patients, but for the Central Valley at large,” said Dr. Hana Choe, stroke medical director at Community Medical Centers. “We are humbled by the trust our patients put in us and motivated to provide excellent stroke care for our community.”

Community Regional’s Comprehensive Stroke Center rounds out Community Health System’s neurosciences program, which also includes a Primary Stroke Center at Clovis Community Medical Center and outpatient stroke services at Community Neurosciences Institute. 

Learn more about what Community Regional's and Clovis Community’s recognitions mean for patients: 
   

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the U.S.

Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s fifth leading cause of death. That’s an average of one stroke every 45 seconds, and one stroke-related death every 3.1 minutes.

“We are dedicated to providing patients access to the most advanced neurological services right here at home,” said Dr. Aldo Mendez Ruiz, interventional neurologist with Community Neurosciences Institute.

“When a stroke occurs, time is of the essence. Each minute that a stroke goes untreated, more brain tissue can be irreversibly damaged. Getting your loved one access to the care they need quickly can be a matter of life or death,” he added.

If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.