Stroke community struts their stuff to remind patients to “BEFAST”

Date: 05/16/2023

Bangor, Maine (May 16, 2023) — Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center staff members, stroke survivors and their families, and community members will walk together in the Stroke and Heart Walk on Sunday, May 21 at the Cohen Middle School track in Bangor from 9 to 10:30 am.

Stroke experts say time equals brain. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of adult disability - prompt access to life-saving treatment can greatly improve patient outcomes.

When stroke symptoms occur, remember to use the acronym BEFAST: watch for sudden changes in Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and then it’s Time to call 911.

The medical center had a recent successful Joint Commission Survey of their Primary Stroke Center designation.  NL EMMC has received this this designation since 2009 for its work helping patients receive the most appropriate timely stroke treatment according to nationally recognized guidelines. For the tenth year in a row, it also received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with The Guidelines^®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke^SM Honor Roll Elite Award and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

The medical center strives to exceed evidence-based quality measures and provide community education for the recognition of symptoms and treatment of stroke. Individuals interested in learning more about how to prevent stroke, or to join the walk may contact Angela Wheelden, BSN, RN, SCRN, nurse program manager, Northern Light Stroke Care, at 207.973.8278 or awheelden@northernlight.org. No donations needed.

If members of the media are seeking to interview a stroke expert, we kindly request that you get in touch with our Marketing and Communications team through our dedicated media line at 207.973.9530 by email at emmcmediarequest@northernlight.org.