Memorial Hospital Gulfport Receives Level I Stroke Center Designation from the Mississippi State Department of Health
GULFPORT, Miss. – March 12, 2026 – Memorial Hospital Gulfport has been officially designated as a Level I Stroke Center by the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Bureau of Acute Care Systems (BACS). This location is now one of only four hospitals in Mississippi to hold the Level I Stroke Center designation and the only hospital south of Jackson to achieve this distinction.
The recognition underscores Memorial’s commitment to delivering the highest level of stroke care to patients along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond. In 2024, Memorial expanded its stroke capabilities by introducing 24/7 neurointerventional radiology, further strengthening its ability to rapidly diagnose and treat complex stroke cases.
“Achieving Level I Stroke Center designation reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and clinical teams who work tirelessly to deliver lifesaving stroke care,” said Memorial Health System Neurologist and Stroke Program Director Dr. Lee Voulters. “This recognition ensures that patients across the Gulf Coast have access to the most advanced stroke treatment available in Mississippi.”
A Level I Stroke Center represents the highest tier of stroke care available in Mississippi. Memorial’s designation reflects its ability to provide comprehensive, around the clock stroke services, including:
Specialized Clinical Expertise
- A core team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and endovascular specialists available 24/7
- Intensive care services staffed by critical care specialists at all times
- Full rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Capabilities
- A fully equipped Emergency Department capable of rapid stroke diagnosis using standard CT imaging as well as advanced imaging, including CT angiogram, CT perfusion, and MRI
- Radiologic and diagnostic imaging available 24/7, including angiography with endovascular capabilities
- Operating room access and surgical support staff available around the clock for emergency procedures
System-Level Readiness
- 24/7 laboratory services with timely reporting
- A maintained on campus helicopter landing site for rapid patient transport
- Ability to receive transfers from EMS and regional facilities
- Participation in a nationally recognized stroke registry and ongoing multidisciplinary quality improvement
- Annual stroke specific continuing education for core team members
- Ongoing community and professional education initiatives
Memorial Hospital Gulfport continues to expand its stroke program through innovation, education, and a commitment to excellence in patient outcomes.
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ABOUT MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Memorial Health System has been serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1946. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, Memorial is a not-for-profit public community hospital organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi and is jointly owned by the City of Gulfport and Harrison County. Memorial Health System includes three hospitals (Gulfport, Biloxi, and Stone County) licensed for 481 beds, a state-designated Level II Trauma Center, two nursing centers, outpatient surgery centers, satellite outpatient diagnostic and rehabilitation centers, and more than 100 Memorial Physician Clinics. Memorial offers several of the region’s most comprehensive clinical programs and medical specialties unique to the area, including a Level III Neonatal ICU and Mississippi’s first nationally certified Primary Stroke Center. Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission, a Baby-Friendly Designated hospital, and is a member of the Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative. Visit wearememorial.com to learn more.