Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital marked its new status as a Primary Stroke Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the annual Krystal Clear Award presentation on June 3 in Greenport, New York. The event recognized the hospital’s achievement of receiving Primary Stroke Center designation from The Joint Commission, highlighting collaborative efforts among hospital leadership, physicians, EMS partners, staff, elected officials, and community members.
Paul J. Connor III, Chief Administrative Officer at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH), welcomed guests by emphasizing the importance of timely stroke care. “Time is brain,” Connor said. He described how SBELIH worked with Stony Brook University Hospital and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital over two years to achieve this milestone. “The impetus for becoming a Primary Stroke Center was to improve outcomes and save lives here on the North Fork,” he said.
William Wertheim, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine, spoke about access to quality care: “Today represents far more than the opening of a program. It represents access, equity, quality, and lifesaving care close to home.” Wertheim added that rapid treatment is critical for stroke patients: “Every minute matters — to life, to brain function, and to recovery.”
Edward J. Boyd congratulated SBELIH on its new designation and stressed urgency in treating strokes: “Time is not something a stroke victim has to spare,” Boyd said. North Fork resident Juan Ibanez shared his experience as a stroke survivor at SBELIH: “From the moment I entered the hospital, I was welcomed with warm smiles and genuine care for my well-being.” Ibanez praised staff professionalism during his emergency treatment: “Their professionalism, teamwork, compassion, and urgency made one of the scariest moments of my life feel manageable.”
Local officials also recognized SBELIH’s accomplishment. Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski presented Connor with a Certificate of Merit stating that “this designation is vital for our community.” Southold Town Board Member Anne Smith highlighted partnerships by saying that this recognition strengthens the community.
The ceremony included presentation of the 2026 Krystal Clear Award by Susan Apicello to Nancy Williams for exceptional clinical intuition in patient care. The event concluded with unveiling an official sign designating SBELIH as a Primary Stroke Center, followed by an outdoor ribbon-cutting ceremony.