Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (PPMH) has received re-certification from DNV as a Primary Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical emergencies.

“This certification lets our community know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care. It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel, and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. This includes the ability to efficiently transfer patients in the rare instances they require treatment beyond our capabilities,” said Jason Smith, MD, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer.

The DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, confirming that PPMH provides comprehensive stroke care from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and education while maintaining clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S., with nearly 130,000 lives lost each year. Rapid and effective treatment is critical, and PPMH’s certification ensures patients receive timely, high-quality care when it matters most.

“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication and collaborative effort of our entire stroke team to continuously elevate the quality of our stroke program. Our goal is not only to deliver exceptional care to every stroke patient, but also to expand support for stroke survivors and raise awareness in our community about stroke risk factors and warning signs. Our commitment is not just to care, but to excellence in every step of the stroke journey,” said Regina Barnes, RN, PPMH Stroke Coordinator. “We encourage everyone to remember the BE FAST acronym and seek emergency care immediately if they experience any symptoms.”

BE FAST is a helpful way to remember signs of a stroke. Each letter represents a stroke symptom.

• Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

• Eyes – Blurry vision or losing sight in one or both eyes.

• Face – Drooping facial features on one side of the face.

• Arms – Weakness in an arm. If you raise your arms and one of them drifts down, that’s a concern.

• Speech – Slurring words or having difficulty speaking.

• Terrible headache 

Earlier this year, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and Phoebe Worth Medical Center were redesignated by the Georgia Department of Public Health as Remote Stroke Centers, further strengthening the Phoebe system’s commitment to stroke care across Southwest Georgia.