A new act taking effect in Pennsylvania on Saturday should help stroke patients get the right treatment fast.

The act will require the Department of Health to maintain a list of primary stoke centers in the state. St. Joseph Medical Center in Bern Twp., Berks Co., is on that list.

The hospital also home to a Skype-like system that links professionals and patients at St. Joe's and Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

"Time is always of the essence to get people the treatment and care that's necessary in order to avoid the damage that would be inflicted with delays of lack of treatment," said Pa. Rep. Tom Caltagirone, D-Reading.

The act also will also better equip first responders who deal with stroke patients, officials said.