 Essential Health St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd recently received an important designation based on how the hospital treats patients with signs of a stroke. The hospital was recognized as a primary stroke center for its preparedness to evaluate, stabilize, and treat patients who show serious stroke symptoms. Doctors say that the designation from the Minnesota Department of Health is an important one, especially for a hospital in a rural community. We're able to provide world-class stroke care while still being able to keep patients here within our community. And for this patient population, that's obviously a big deal that they're not having to travel down to the cities. They're in a more comfortable environment. Their family is able to be with them at bedside, but they're still able to get that same level of care. Clayton Castle will have a full report next week on the primary stroke center designation and how Essential Health goes about treating someone showing symptoms.