When a stroke happens, blood flow to the brain is interrupted and brain cells die – so “time is brain” when it comes to stroke treatment. Faster access to treatment means fewer brain cells lost, more lives saved and better quality of life.

Covenant Health is home to our region’s only certified stroke hospital network, which means that residents throughout East Tennessee are minutes away from hospitals that can quickly diagnose and treat strokes, including administering life-saving clot-busting medication. All nine of our acute-care hospitals are accredited as stroke centers by The Joint Commission.

Across Covenant Health’s stroke network, more than 93% of patients who come to the emergency department with stroke symptoms are seen in less than 15 minutes. Additionally, the Covenant Health Stroke Network holds 15 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® recognitions in areas of Stroke Gold Plus, Target Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll, Stroke Target Type 2 Diabetes, Stroke Silver and Stroke Advanced Therapy Elite.

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in our region to be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke and Rehabilitation Center, with access to the latest technology for treating complex strokes. It is home to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, where an interdisciplinary approach to individualized therapies helps patients recover from stroke. PNRC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

A doctor and a nurse stand in an exam room and talk about something on an ipad
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I’m just glad to be here, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the doctors that I had.

William Emert, Covenant Health Patient

middle aged male poses for a photo with his dog
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The caregivers…they’re truly doing this because they have a calling to it. God love them for being willing to do that.

John Gabriel, Covenant Health Patient

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I knew I could trust in the people who were taking care of me. That was something that was delivered on time and time again.

Ty Taubenheim, Covenant Health Patient

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