Hazard Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group Receives Award

Hazard, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2018) – The Hazard Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group was recognized with a Community Service Award from the UK HealthCare/Norton HealthCare - Stroke Care Network, during the 2018 Stroke Care Network Summit held at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, Aug. 16 and 17.

The group received the award, along with a $250 donation, for conducting a community education campaign to increase awareness about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of a stroke. More than 571 adults and children in Perry County received education and free stroke risk screenings, along with free blood pressure checks, during Stroke Awareness Month in May.

Education delivered, included an acronym to help people remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time). Additional education was provided about stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes, weight, and physical activity.

“Knowing these important signs, symptoms and risk factors could save someone’s life. We are proud of the members of our support group who worked hard and dedicated many hours to this important cause. They are very deserving of this award,” said Keisha Hudson, who co-leads the support group and also works as a stroke navigator at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH). The group is also co-led by Patrick Kitzman, Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the UK College of Health Sciences.

The support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 5:00 pm, at the UK CERH, 750 Morton Blvd., Hazard, KY. Stroke survivors, their caregivers and family members are welcome. For more information contact keisha.hudson@uky.edu.