Prestigious Stroke Care Recognition for UPMC Harrisburg

We're proud to announce that UPMC Harrisburg has now been recognized for providing the highest level of stroke care available, earning Comprehensive Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission and American Stroke Association.

The designation reflects expanded clinical capabilities and quality measures for advanced stroke care, including 24/7 onsite access to neurosurgical and vascular procedures like mechanical thrombectomy and aneurysm clipping.

“Time is of the essence when responding to a stroke,” said Dr. Bart Thaci, director of neuroendovascular care, UPMC Neurological Institute, UPMC Harrisburg. “Comprehensive Stroke Center designation is evidence that our patients have timely and quality access to a variety of lifesaving of neurosurgical and neuroendovascular procedures.”

 In stroke care, “time is brain,” which means getting treatment quickly can reverse or mitigate possible damage and could save a patient’s life.  UPMC Carlisle, UPMC Community Osteopathic, UPMC Hanover, UPMC Lititz, UPMC Memorial, and UPMC West Shore are all designated as primary stroke centers and work with Stat MedEvac, UPMC Community Life Team, and other local emergency medical services (EMS) agencies to diagnose and treat strokes, and if necessary, quickly transfer them to UPMC Harrisburg for life-saving endovascular or neurosurgical procedures.

“Stroke care is a team effort,” said Elizabeth Ritter, president, UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, and UPMC West Shore. “This achievement reflects years of collaboration across our care teams and community partners so we can show up for our community when the worst happens.”