NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

July 10, 2009

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Stroke Survival Rates Improve in Rural South Carolina; Modern Technology the Key

Marion, SC-Gene Bennett is a lucky man.  It has nothing to do with chance, but the quick action of his wife, Marilyn, and the team of medical professionals at Marion Regional Healthcare System.

Nearly six months ago, Gene, who was attending a Saturday morning church meeting, experienced a sudden numbness in his arm and blurred vision.  Like most people, he shrugged it off. He knew something was wrong, but he just couldn’t pinpoint what.  Within minutes, the symptoms intensified and Gene could no longer speak.

His wife recognized these warning signs as symptoms of a stroke and quickly took action.  That was the beginning of what was probably one of the luckiest days of Gene’s life.

Marilyn took him to Marion Regional Healthcare System, where within minutes, he was hooked to monitors and his physician was talking to experts at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Marion Regional Healthcare System is one of five hospitals in the state to partner with MUSC in their REACH Stroke Network.

REACH (Remote Evaluation of Acute IsCHemic Stroke) is a web-based, tele-medicine system through which urgent, specialized stroke consultations are delivered to physicians and nurses caring for acute stroke patients in rural/community emergency departments near a stroke specialty center (known as a “hub”), such as the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).  These rural/community sites, referred to as “spokes,” often received stroke patients, but had no neurologists and limited resources to create a 24/7 stroke team capable of rapid evaluation of patients for alteplase treatment; the only approved treatment for stroke.

Spearheaded by Robert J. Adams, M.S., M.D., of the Medical University of South Carolina, REACH was initiated with the intent of extending expert care from the academic center at MUSC into the Low Country and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina—areas with extremely high stroke rates and until this program, little treatment of stroke.

U.S. Congressional Representative and House Majority Whip, James (Jim) Clyburn (D, SC-6) acknowledges the nation’s health disparities especially in rural areas and the South.  “Blacks in South Carolina are far more likely to suffer from strokes, diabetes, heart disease and many forms of cancer than whites in this state,” he said.  Clyburn, a proponent of utilizing technology to link smaller facilities to larger, regional facilities,” outlined such a plan when he addressed medical professionals throughout the Pee Dee at a press conference held at Marion Regional Healthcare System earlier this year.  REACH is the type of program Clyburn was referring to.

Since initiating the service in rural South Carolina, there have been over 160 consults, averaging nearly 16 per month.  Gene, fortunately, was one of these.  He represented one of the first stroke victims to be assisted through the partnership formed through MUSC and Marion Regional Healthcare System.

Gene’s stroke was treated in time. Today, he has resumed a normal life and the affects of his stroke are minimal.  On February 18, just weeks after his stroke, he celebrated the birth of his first grand daughter and continues to enjoy spending time with his six-year-old grandson, Jordan—events made possible through the technology of REACH, and the medical professionals at Marion Regional Healthcare System.

“Partnerships with hospitals like Marion Regional allow us to combine clinical expertise that result in improved stroke care for patients,” said Dr. Adams.  Gene Tucker, the Hospital’s President & CEO agrees.  “We have seen excellent results through our association with MUSC. Gene Bennett is one of the many that has benefited.  Without REACH, I am sure the outcomes of these stroke patients would not have been as positive."

While more than 700,000 Americans may experience a stroke, 150,000 die annually.  The bad news is many of them are right here in the Pee Dee. Recognized as the ‘buckle’ of the Stroke Belt,  South Carolina has stroke rates among the highest in the Nation.  For smokers, African Americans, and people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, the risk of stroke is higher than average.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of adult disability.

Experts agree. Recognizing the warning signs and taking immediate action can save your life or that of a loved one.

Stroke Warning Signs:

    * Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
    * Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
    * Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
    * Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
    * Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Ask the victim to smile, to repeat a simple sentence or to raise their arms.  If they cannot perform these simple tasks, chances are they are having a stroke.

If you, or someone you know, experience ANY of these symptoms, don’t wait.  Call 911 Immediately. Every second counts.

Marion Regional Healthcare System has been recognized statewide for its community health initiatives. Located on Highway 76- between Marion and Mullins, Marion Regional Healthcare System provides the best in medical technology and is home to some of the area’s most advanced medical equipment. For more information call 843-431-2000.