HomePress RoomAspirus Tomahawk Hospital Awarded Acute Stroke Ready Certification

Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Awarded Acute Stroke Ready Certification

  • Published: 12/10/2025

Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Acute Stroke Ready Certification.

To earn the certification, the hospital underwent a rigorous, on-site review in November. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers conducted observations and interviews and evaluated the hospital’s compliance with related certification standards including program management, processes for delivering clinical care, and performance improvement – standards that are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients.

“Joint Commission congratulates Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital for achieving accreditation by demonstrating its focus on delivering safe and effective care of the highest quality and value,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, Joint Commission. “Through the accreditation process, we worked closely with Aspirus Tomahawk to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. Together, we are elevating care for all patients, and we appreciate Aspirus Tomahawk’s collaboration throughout this process.”

"Earning Acute Stroke Ready Certification reflects our unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our community," said Nursing Supervisor Sarah Guzinski Sherman, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. "This achievement is the result of teamwork, continuous learning, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional stroke care. We remain focused on advancing education, improving response times, and ensuring every patient receives evidence-based treatment when it matters most."

The Tomahawk Hospital Team represents multiple hospital disciplines whose efforts strive to provide extraordinary outcomes for each patient they treat, knowing that every stroke journey is unique. Crucial to the Stroke Team’s readiness is their continuous education and knowledge of community risk factors leading to stroke, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The team uses this knowledge, along with clinical practice guidelines, to proactively collaborate with all Aspirus providers to offer patient education and resources.

"Achieving Acute Stroke Ready Certification is a proud moment for Aspirus Health," said Donny Abraham, Chief Administrative Officer, Aspirus Health’s North Division. "This milestone underscores our team’s relentless dedication to delivering timely, evidence-based stroke care. It’s not just about meeting standards—it’s about exceeding expectations and ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care when seconds matter. We remain committed to advancing stroke education and fostering a culture of excellence across our communities."

Time is of the utmost importance. The faster a stroke can be treated, the better the outcome. Aspirus Health encourages everyone to use BE FAST to recognize the signs of a stroke:
• Balance; sudden loss of coordination
• Eyes; sudden change in vision
• Face; sudden weakness on one side or facial droop
• Arm; sudden arm or leg numbness or weakness
• Speech; sudden slurred speech
• Terrible Headache or Time to call 9-1-1

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. Learn more about stroke care and Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital at aspirus.org.