Butler Memorial Hospital was again recognized as a primary stroke center by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

To achieve that designation, hospitals must demonstrate a higher level of proficiency and compliance in stroke prevention, early management and treatment. Independence Health System’s Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals are also certified primary stroke centers.

Independence Health System also participates in the American Heart Association’s Get-with-the-Guidelines stroke quality improvement program, and has earned awards for adhering to best practices and providing exemplary stroke care. The system treats more than 1,000 patients for stroke annually and has treated nearly 17,000 stroke patients since 2006.