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Warrensburg, MO — During Stroke Awareness Month, Western Missouri Medical Center is helping educate the community about stroke emergencies while also recognizing its designation as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. This certification reflects the hospital’s ability to deliver rapid, coordinated, and advanced stroke care for patients in Johnson County and surrounding communities.
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when bleeding occurs in the brain. Because brain cells begin to die within minutes, fast treatment is critical to reducing the risk of death and long-term disability.
As a Primary Stroke Center, WMMC is equipped to respond quickly and effectively when stroke symptoms occur. This includes 24/7 emergency readiness, rapid access to imaging and diagnosis, established treatment protocols, and coordinated care teams trained to act immediately when time matters most. These systems are designed to ensure patients receive evidence-based treatment without delay.
Community members are encouraged to remember the warning signs of stroke using B.E. F.A.S.T.:
B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
F – Face: One side of the face droops or appears uneven
A – Arms: One arm becomes weak or drifts downward
S – Speech: Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech
T – Time: Call 911 immediately
“This designation strengthens our ability to respond when seconds matter,” said Darinda Dick, President and CEO of WMMC. “During Stroke Awareness Month, it is important to not only raise awareness of stroke symptoms, but also ensure our community knows advanced stroke care is available here. Our team is trained and ready to act quickly to improve outcomes for patients experiencing a stroke.”
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. WMMC encourages community members to act quickly and call 911 if stroke symptoms appear.
