Allina Health Faribault Medical Center re-designated as Acute Stroke Ready Hospital

FARIBAULT, Minn. (Nov. 24, 2025) — Allina Health Faribault Medical Center has once again received the designation of Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), as part of their Minnesota Stroke System.

Today, 94% of Minnesotans live within 30 minutes of a designated stroke system hospital. MDH has designated 121 stroke hospitals statewide, including 98 Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals. These hospitals are equipped to deliver rapid and appropriate stroke care, improving patient outcomes.

“We are proud to be recognized as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital as it is a reflection of our team’s commitment to delivering life-saving expert care to Faribault and surrounding communities,” said Whitney Johnson, RN, MHA, president, Faribault Medical Center. 

Faribault Medical Center is among the Minnesota hospitals recognized for their preparedness to evaluate, stabilize and provide emergency treatment to patients with acute stroke symptoms. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in Minnesota, and outcomes improve when patients receive timely hospital care.

"Stroke is an emergency and timely treatment decreases the chance of disability or death from stroke,” said MDH Stroke Program Supervisor Nicky Anderson. "Every second counts. That is why it is so crucial all Minnesota hospitals are ready to recognize and deliver timely stroke care close to home."

Faribault Medical Center encourages community members to learn the signs of stroke and act quickly. Local EMS providers are trained to recognize stroke symptoms and transport patients to the nearest designated stroke center. 

You can recognize stroke symptoms by remembering B.E.F.A.S.T.:

• B – Balance loss
• E – Eyesight change
• F – Facial drooping
• A – Arm weakness
• S – Slurred speech
• T – Terrible headache — Time to call 9-1-1! 

If you notice any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

Allina Health is proud that all its hospital campuses have been designated by the Minnesota Stroke System. Abbott Northwestern and United hospitals are Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Mercy Hospital is a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center. In addition to Faribault Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern – WestHealth, Buffalo Hospital, Cambridge Medical Center, Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus, New Ulm Medical Center, Owatonna Hospital, United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus and St. Francis Regional Medical Center are Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals.