AdventHealth Redmond fights stroke 24/7 in Northwest Georgia

On World Stroke Day, AdventHealth Redmond is proud to spotlight its groundbreaking advancements in stroke care that are transforming outcomes for patients across Northwest Georgia. As the region’s first and only hospital offering 24/7 interventional stroke treatment, AdventHealth Redmond is bringing life-saving care closer to home and greatly reducing the need for emergency transfers to Chattanooga or Atlanta.

Stroke remains a critical health concern in the Southeastern United States, particularly in the region known as the “stroke belt,” which includes Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and the Carolinas. Public health studies show that residents in these states face a 15% higher risk of stroke compared to the national average. In Northwest Georgia, this elevated risk is even more pronounced, with stroke hospitalization and mortality rates significantly exceeding national norms.

“Stroke is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in our rural counties,” said Julie Smith, director of neuroscience and orthopedic services at AdventHealth Georgia. “When it comes to stroke, every minute matters. Faster access means better outcomes, and we’re proud to bring that level of care to our community.”

AdventHealth Redmond is a Joint Commission-certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center, offering around-the-clock access to mechanical thrombectomy and neurosurgical stroke treatments. Previously, patients often had to be transferred out of the region for advanced procedures, delaying treatment and increasing risk of disability.

Now, with a dedicated stroke team on-site, AdventHealth Redmond can begin treatment in as little as 30 minutes, surpassing national benchmarks. This rapid response enables immediate administration of clot-busting drugs or surgical clot removal, preserving brain function and saving lives.

The impact is already being felt across the region. “This program is a game-changer for our community,” said Smith. “We’re seeing lives saved and long-term disabilities prevented because patients are getting the care they need — when they need it.”

As stroke continues to disproportionately affect Northwest Georgia, AdventHealth Redmond remains committed to reversing the trend through innovation, education, and whole-person care.