Rural Appalachia Stroke Camp to Provide Adaptive Recreation and Keynote Speakers for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

HAZARD, Ky. (April 12, 2021) — The Eastern Kentucky Stroke Warriors, a support group of stroke survivors and caregivers, announced the first Rural Appalachia Stroke Camp will be held Sept. 25, 2021, at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. The group is partnering with the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) and the Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN) to host stroke survivors and caregivers for a fun-filled day to relax, learn and rejuvenate.

The theme of the camp is It’s Your Day: Refresh-Renew-Refocus. Keynote speakers will be providing information on stroke awareness, stress management, music therapy and healthy eating. Attendees can participate in a number of activities that will be adapted to stroke survivors’ needs, including fishing, boating, putt-putt golf, crafting and cooking demonstrations.

There is no cost to attend the day, but registration is required and attendance will be limited. The full agenda and registration will be available in July.

All activities held during the event will strictly adhere to COVID-19 public health guidelines requiring masks, social distancing and related safeguards. In the event COVID-19 requires changes to the event’s format or schedule, updates will be posted at http://ruralhealth.med.uky.edu.

The East Kentucky Stroke Warrior group formed in 2015 to provide advocacy and a positive forum for stroke survivors and their caregivers to ask questions, share challenges, triumphs, and other personal experiences. Additionally, the group provides community education to increase awareness about stroke signs, symptoms and prevention, and it has been recognized with two awards from the American Stroke Association in 2020.

For questions or more information about the stroke camp or the monthly support group meetings, contact Keisha Hudson at krhuds2@uky.edu.