When it comes to stroke, every second counts. A delay in care can mean the difference between full recovery and lasting damage—or even loss of life. That’s why Highland District Hospital is proud to bring lifesaving technology directly to our community through a groundbreaking partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Telestroke Collaborative.
Our Telestroke program is changing how stroke care is delivered in Hillsboro—providing patients with immediate access to expert neurology consultation, faster diagnosis, and rapid treatment when every minute matters most.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When this happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes. That’s why quick action and expert care are critical.
Common signs of stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
If you or someone near you experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Time lost is brain lost.
How the Telestroke Program Works
Thanks to our partnership with The OSU Wexner Medical Center Telestroke Collaborative, Highland District Hospital can now offer stroke patients real-time, around-the-clock access to board-certified neurologists via secure, high-definition video consultation.
Here’s how it works:
- Immediate Recognition: When a patient presents with stroke symptoms, our emergency team acts fast to initiate a Telestroke consultation.
- Live Neurology Access: Using a specialized robot and video technology, a stroke neurologist from Ohio State connects with the patient, family, and local care team—right from the ER.
- Rapid Decision Making: The neurologist evaluates the patient, reviews scans, and advises on whether to administer clot-busting medications or arrange for transfer to a comprehensive stroke center.
- Coordinated Transport: If advanced care is needed, we expedite transport so treatment can continue without delay.
The result? Faster intervention, fewer complications, and better outcomes for patients experiencing stroke.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Living in a rural area should never mean settling for less when it comes to emergency care. With Telestroke, Highland District Hospital provides cutting-edge stroke treatment without the delay of travel or transfer—bringing the expertise of a major academic medical center straight to our patients.
This program has already saved lives and prevented long-term disability for patients in our region. It’s a powerful example of how technology and collaboration can close the gap in rural healthcare.
When to Seek Help
If you think someone is having a stroke, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately and get to the nearest emergency room.
Remember the signs:
F.A.S.T. – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
Partnering for Lifesaving Care
At Highland District Hospital, we’re proud to offer advanced, team-based stroke care through our Telestroke program. This partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center allows us to deliver the best possible outcomes—right here, close to home.
To learn more about stroke care at Highland District Hospital, visit www.hdh.org or call 937.393.6100.
Exceptional care. Exceptional service. Every time.
Together with Ohio State, we’re bringing lifesaving stroke care to Highland County—when it matters most.
