As reported in the 2005 Regional Health Status Indicators for Southeast Massachusetts, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Southeastern Massachusetts. In an effort to reduce death and disability from stroke, Southcoast Hospitals held its first of three stroke awareness programs for the public on October 24th, 2007,  at White’s of Westport. The program featured Farrel Douglas, MD, Stroke Director at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River in an effort to educate the community on the risk, prevention and symptoms of stroke. The seminar, “Act FAST: Save a Life — Understanding & Preventing Stroke”, was one of three to be presented in the Southcoast Area by physicians who explain the risk factors of stroke and how it can be prevented, how to recognize the signs and symptoms and how to minimize the effects of stroke by acting FAST. Stroke survivors also share their experience with stroke and their own recovery. Free screenings were offered for total cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. For more information about the stroke program at Southcoast Hospitals, contact Charlton Memorial Hospital Stroke Coordinator Susan Jenkins at 508-679-3131 or the St. Luke's Stroke Coordinator Linda Silva at 508-997-1515.
 

(Top row, left ) Irene Collis and Tyler and Ursula Wilkinson help themselves to some healthy refreshments before the start of the event. (Top row, center) Eighty-year-old Ernest Martin has his cholesterol checked by Southcoast Hospital Cardiovascular Prevention nurse Donna Querim while Amanda Szot works with another participant in the background. (Top row, right) Southcoast Hospitals Group staff member Kristi Aimone talks with Greg Oliver about his blood test results. (Middle row, left) WSAR talk show host Hector Gauthier interviews Quality Outcomes Manager for Stroke Ursula Crowell and Stroke Coordinator Susan Jenkins before the event begins. (Middle row, center) Susan Jenkins describes the Stroke Awareness Program. (Middle row, right) Dr. Farrel Douglas, Director of the Acute Stroke Program at Charlton Memorial Hospital, talks with Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Crowell before his presentation. (Bottom row) Dr. Douglas talks about the consequences of stroke and the critical importance of intervening within the first two hours following a stroke event.