UNC Health Lenoir has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Certification. 

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the 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.

The UNC Health Lenoir Primary Stroke Program underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on August 16, 2023. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients.

 “We commend UNC Health Lenoir for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”  says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. 

Every two years UNC Health Lenoir qualifies for this certification by demonstrating how the organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, UNC Health Lenoir also educates patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. 

“Congratulations to Dawn Becker, RN, BSN, Stroke and Heart Failure Coordinator at UNC Health Lenoir and the stroke team for receiving this important recognition once again,” says Dr. Crystal Hayden, President and CEO at UNC Health Lenoir. “This recertification reflects our team’s commitment to providing outstanding care to the communities we serve.”

About UNC Health Lenoir

UNC Health Lenoir, licensed for 199 beds, is a nonprofit organization serving the Lenoir County area with acute, outpatient, and community health services. The hospital has a 117-year history of providing excellent care to the community. In addition to general medical, surgical, and obstetrical and gynecological care, UNC Health Lenoir offers specialized services including cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, and urology. Surgical specialties include general surgery, vascular, orthopedic, and bariatric with a staff trained to take exceptional care during recovery. UNC Health Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017. UNC Health is an integrated health care system based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and is comprised of UNC Hospitals and its provider network, UNC Faculty Physicians and UNC Physicians Network.