LVH–Schuylkill Recertification as a Primary Stroke Center

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill, part of Jefferson Health, has earned recertification as a Primary Stroke Center from The Joint Commission, receiving the Gold Seal of Approval® for its continued excellence in stroke care. LVH–Schuylkill is in Pottsville and serves patients across Schuylkill County and the surrounding area.

“Maintaining Primary Stroke Center designation reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high‑quality stroke care close to home,” says Steven Lewis, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute, and Regional Chief, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Jefferson Health. “Recertification acknowledges the strong clinical expertise led by our stroke medical director, Dr. Kathryn Cheponis, coordinated care processes and rapid response capabilities our teams demonstrate every day.” 

A Primary Stroke Center is a hospital with specially trained clinicians to quickly identify and treat strokes using nationally recognized, evidence‑based protocols, ensuring patients receive care as rapidly as possible when every minute counts. Maintaining this designation supports improved patient outcomes, seamless collaboration with emergency medical services partners and continued community confidence in local stroke care.

To achieve recertification, LVH–Schuylkill underwent a comprehensive on‑site evaluation by The Joint Commission reviewers. The assessment measured compliance with current stroke‑related standards and requirements, including program leadership, delivery of clinical care and performance improvement.

“Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend LVH–Schuylkill 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.”

LVH–Schuylkill’s stroke program includes emergency physicians trained in stroke recognition and treatment, as well as access to stroke neurologists who provide timely evaluation and guidance. The stroke team is equipped for rapid diagnostic imaging and, when clinically appropriate, can administer clot‑busting medication. Patients requiring a higher level of care will be transferred to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at LVH–Cedar Crest.

Remember BE FAST:

B – Balance loss
E – Eye or vision changes
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911

If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Fast treatment can save lives and reduce long-term disability.