Montage Health’s Community Hospital again named one of America’s 100 best hospitals for stroke care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

MONTEREY, Calif. — As the nation observes Stroke Awareness Month this May, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is proud to announce it has been named one of Healthgrades' America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care for the second consecutive year (2025–2026). Community Hospital also earned a top-five ranking in California for stroke care in 2026, placing it among the highest‑performing stroke programs in the state.   

Staff at Community Hospital act swiftly to ensure patients receive the right treatment at the right time. The hospital has been Monterey County’s longest‑certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center, reflecting decades of expertise in stroke care.

In keeping with its commitment to expand services for the community, Community Hospital launched a mechanical thrombectomy program in spring 2025 and, in October 2025, became the only hospital in the tri‑county region certified by The Joint Commission to perform these advanced stroke procedures. Having this capability available locally means patients can receive this lifesaving care immediately, without needing to be transferred out of the area.    

Stroke Awareness Month highlights the importance of prevention, early detection, and immediate medical response. Stroke remains a leading cause of disability, yet many strokes are preventable — and fast action saves lives. 

Stroke Awareness Month: Know the signs, protect your future

Every May, communities across the country come together to raise awareness about stroke, a condition that can strike without warning but is often preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies from one every 3.5 minutes. But there is hope: Recognizing the signs early and acting fast can save a life. 

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked or reduced. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Getting care quickly — often within the first few hours — can mean the difference between a full recovery and long‑term disability. 

“Stroke symptoms come on suddenly, but they may be subtle at first," says Michael Cline, MD, a neurologist and Montage Health's stroke program director, "such as mild speech changes, facial drooping, vision loss, one‑sided weakness or numbness, or difficulty coordinating movements that can be easy to dismiss. That’s why knowing the signs of stroke and calling 911 immediately are so critical. Lifesaving treatments like IV thrombolytics, our ‘clot‑busting’ medication, and mechanical thrombectomy, a clot‑removal procedure, are highly time‑dependent. If something feels off, don’t wait. Activate emergency services right away so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.”