SGHS

Paul Trumbull, PT, MBA, director of Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Neurodiagnostics; Phillip P. Amodeo, MD, a board-certified neurologist at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates–Neurology; and Cynthia Gahm, RN, coordinator, Stroke Program.

Southeast Georgia Health System has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in stroke care, earning the 2025 Certificate of Distinction from The Joint Commission for Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center at its Brunswick Campus and as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital at its Camden Campus.

The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations across the United States, awards these certifications to hospitals that meet rigorous national standards in stroke care and patient safety.

“This continued recognition from The Joint Commission reflects the unwavering dedication of our physicians, nurses and interdisciplinary care teams,” says Paul Trumbull, PT, MBA, director of Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Neurodiagnostics. “Achieving advanced certification requires strict adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines, rapid diagnosis and treatment protocols, and seamless coordination across departments. Receiving this distinction again underscores our commitment to delivering the highest level of stroke care to our community.”

Stroke remains a leading cause of serious long-term disability and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke every 40 seconds. A stroke occurs when a clot or bleeding interrupts blood flow to the brain, potentially causing permanent disability or death.

“That’s why we say, ‘Time is brain,’” says Cynthia Gahm, RN, coordinator for Southeast Georgia Health System’s Stroke Program. “Approximately two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. While treatments can potentially stop or even reverse symptoms, those treatments are extremely time sensitive.”

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, serving as an important reminder for community members to learn the warning signs of stroke and seek immediate medical attention. According to the American Heart Association, every 15 minutes that passes between the onset of an ischemic stroke and administration of a clot-busting medication can significantly impact a patient’s recovery and long-term function.

The Health System’s Stroke Team encourages everyone to “BE FAST” and call 9-1-1 immediately if they or someone they know experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Balance — Sudden loss of balance

• Eyes — Vision loss or difficulty seeing

• Face — Uneven smile or facial droop

• Arm — Weakness or numbness in one arm

• Speech — Slurred speech or confusion

• Time — Call 9-1-1 immediately and note when symptoms began

A sudden, severe headache with no known cause may also be a warning sign of stroke.

“Strokes are medical emergencies,” Gahm adds. “Symptoms can worsen quickly, even if they initially appear mild. Timely assessment and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.”

To earn the Certificate of Distinction, the Health System underwent a comprehensive on-site review during which Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national standards, stroke-specific performance measures and program leadership. The certification process helps ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care designed to improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability.

Because both hospitals are designated Remote Treatment Stroke Centers, local first responders transport stroke patients there for emergency treatment. The Stroke Programs have also received multiple American Heart Association achievement awards recognizing their commitment to providing care based on the latest research and evidence-based guidelines.

“This achievement truly represents a team effort,” adds Trumbull. “From EMS partners and emergency department clinicians to neurologists, radiology teams, rehabilitation specialists and support staff, every individual plays a vital role in delivering rapid, lifesaving stroke care.”

For more information about the Southeast Georgia Health System Stroke Program, visit sghs.org/stroke.