Every time Wal-Mart Greeter, Garland Buford, waves hello to customers, he is reminded of his stroke. A slight abnormality in his hand is the only side effect of a stroke that could have taken his life.  Garland knows the quick response of St. Anthony Hospital staff spared his life and reduced the side effects.  After many stroke patient success stories like this one, St. Anthony is proud to announce that its stroke program is now certified by Joint Commission. This certification is based on the immediate identification, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke patients.  The Joint Commission enforces strict testing and treatment times on St. Anthony Hospital.  “Time is critical.  The sooner a stroke is identified, the broader the options are for treatment and the best chance for recovery,” said Elain Richardson, Division Director, Oncology & Neurosciences at St. Anthony Hospital.  If you’d like to set up a story with Garland or another stroke patient and a stroke expert who can speak on the often unnoticed signs of stroke, call 272-6334.