Nearly 800,000 people have a stoke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease nationwide is due to a stroke, and it’s the fifth-leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States.
To raise awareness about the dangers and warning signs of a stroke, Essentia Health, through the Minnesota Stroke Association, is hosting two Strides for Stroke walks later this month.
The first walk takes place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at Olcott Park in Virginia (901 Ninth St. N.). The second walk is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth.
Attendees can hear directly from stroke survivors about the signs and symptoms they experienced, as well as their recovery processes. Essentia will also have medical experts on hand to talk about the health system’s highly advanced stroke program that allows patients to receive the best care close to home.
These events are free to attend. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and attendees will receive a free T-Shirt. All proceeds go to the Minnesota Stroke Association, a nonprofit with more than 30 years of experience elevating stroke awareness and offering vital services, including resources, advocacy outreach and case management.
Essentia also offers a stroke support group in Duluth for stroke survivors, family members and caregivers. The group meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month at the Essentia Health-Miller Hill Health Plaza, located at 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy. If you are interested in attending, please register here.
Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center has earned the nation’s highest level of stroke certification after being designated an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. St. Mary’s is the only hospital in the region with this designation.
This elite status recognizes facilities equipped to manage the most complex stroke cases. To qualify, centers must meet rigorous requirements, including 24/7 availability of specialized neurosurgery, neurointerventional procedures and neurocritical care.
