Winchester, TN  – Highpoint Health – Winchester/Sewanee with Ascension Saint Thomas has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification.

Highpoint Health underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in June 2025. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Earning stroke certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clinical team, our community partners and The Joint Commission, who have been working collaboratively to ensure our hospital is prepared to provide high-quality care to patients when stroke occurs,” said Adam Martin, Highpoint Health – Winchester/Sewanee CEO. “Highpoint Health’s top priority is to provide quality healthcare close to home, and this accomplishment demonstrates one of the many ways we continually work to enhance and elevate our services, advancing our mission of making communities healthier.” 

“Acute Stroke Ready Hospital 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 officer of The Joint Commission. “We commend Highpoint Health for using The Joint Commission 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 Highpoint Health 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.”

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke in the United States. When a stroke occurs, every minute matters. Highpoint Health provides 24/7 emergency care close to home, including higher levels of stroke care as a Joint Commission Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.