September 29, 2025, Press Release from Mercer Health:
COLDWATER, Ohio - Mercer Health’s Emergency Department team has once again been recognized by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Telestroke Program for outstanding achievement in stroke care. The team earned its third Door to Needle (DTN) Award, a distinction that highlights their ability to deliver life-saving clot-busting medication with speed and precision.
The Door to Needle time measures the critical period from when a patient arrives at the hospital to when they receive thrombolytic (clot-busting) medication for stroke treatment. Mercer Health achieved a best time of 35 minutes during the 2024 Q1 DTN Challenge—well below the national benchmark goal of 60 minutes.
“Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) recognizes how much hard work is involved in providing excellent patient care, and we are proud to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our top-performing customers through our annual SHPBest award program. These organizations care deeply about the patient experience and they never stop striving to improve every single year,” said Dixie Davenport, Telestroke Program Manager at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Reducing door-to-needle times directly improves patient outcomes, and Mercer Health’s commitment to excellence is making a real difference.”
Since joining the OSU Telestroke Network in 2020, Mercer Health has continually refined its stroke response processes, working hand-in-hand with OSU’s neurovascular physicians and Telestroke experts. This third DTN Award underscores the team’s ongoing dedication to providing faster, higher-quality stroke care for the communities they serve.
“Receiving our third Door to Needle Award is a true reflection of the teamwork, preparation, and passion our Emergency Department staff bring to every patient encounter,” said Jenny Conn, RN, Director of Emergency Department. “When it comes to stroke, every minute matters—and our team is proud to deliver care that saves both time and lives.”
Each year in the United States, nearly 795,000 people suffer a stroke, with one occurring every 40 seconds. Quick treatment is critical to reducing disability and improving recovery.
For more information about Mercer Health’s Emergency Department and stroke care services, visit: www.mercer-health.com.
