Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital awarded Advanced Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification from Joint Commission

Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on April 10, 2026. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management, delivering and facilitating clinical care, and performance measurement. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Advanced Acute Stroke Ready Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive, Joint Commission. “We commend Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital for using Joint Commission’s certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“We congratulate Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

“This certification is a testament to the dedication, expertise and teamwork of our providers and staff at Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital. When a stroke occurs, every second matters, and our community deserves access to high-quality, evidence-based care close to home,” says Nathan Nipper, President and CEO of UNC Health Appalachian. “Earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Acute Stroke Ready Certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional stroke care, improving patient outcomes and ensuring that the residents of Avery County and surrounding communities have access to lifesaving treatment when they need it most.”