Providence St. Joseph Hospital earns national recognition as a Joint Commission-Certified Primary Stroke Center
Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka is proud to announce it has earned certification as a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, a prestigious designation that recognizes the hospital’s excellence in the diagnosis, treatment and care of stroke patients.
The certification affirms our commitment to providing timely, evidence-based treatment that significantly improves outcomes and saves lives in our community.
“This milestone is a reflection of our clinical excellence and the incredible work and dedication of our team,” says Michael Keleman, chief executive, Providence Humboldt County. “Being recognized as a Primary Stroke Center means our patients can trust that they are receiving expert care, close to home.”
To achieve this designation, Providence St. Joseph underwent a rigorous evaluation process,
demonstrating top-level adherence to national stroke care standards. “Stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate action, and our team is trained and ready 24/7,” said Dr. James Goldberg, chief medical officer, Providence Humboldt County. “We’ve built an integrated system—from emergency medical coordination to imaging, treatment protocols and recovery services, positioning us to respond swiftly and effectively, when every second counts.”
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. Primary Stroke Center Certification helps ensure hospitals are prepared to provide specialized care that improves the likelihood of survival and recovery.
“What we’ve seen since becoming a Joint Commission-Certified Primary Stroke Center is
transformative,” says Kristen Hansen, director of nursing for Providence St. Joseph Hospital’s
intensive care unit and emergency department. “This certification isn’t just a title—it’s a life-saving shift for our region.”
With this new certification, Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka strengthens its role as a vital hub for emergency stroke care in the region. In addition, Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association 2025 Get with the Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus: Target Diabetes, Quality Achievement Award.
Join Us for a Community Blood Drive & Celebration
Providence St. Joseph Hospital invites the public to a community blood drive as we celebrate our recent certification as a Joint Commission-Certified Primary Stroke Center and American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Quality Award.
Event date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Time: Blood Drive: 8 a.m. | BBQ: noon – 7 p.m.
Location: Northern California Community Blood Bank parking lot - 2524 Harrison Ave, Eureka,
California 95501
Come be part of the celebration, donate blood to support patients in need, and learn more about
how we’re advancing care right here in Humboldt County.
Food and drinks will be provided. All are welcome!
For more information about the Heart Institute and stroke treatment at Providence St. Joseph
Hospital Eureka, please visit: Heart Institute | St. Joseph Hospital Eureka | Providence
About Providence in Humboldt County
Providence is committed to meeting the highest standards in health care delivery while ministering to the needs of the whole person – body, mind and spirit. This commitment to the people of the North Coast is expressed in the Providence’s five core values – Compassion, Dignity, Excellence, Justice and Integrity. In Humboldt County, Providence operates St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka and Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna and offers a comprehensive network of specialty care and services including a Level III Trauma Center, Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a Cancer Center Accredited by the Commission on Cancer. The health care ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange began in Humboldt County during the flu epidemic of 1918. The Sisters opened the first St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka in 1920 and committed to continually improving the health and quality of life of the people served. This commitment continues today and has been further defined by the vision of Providence – Health for a Better World