Fredericksburg, VA, (March 5, 2024) – Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) extends congratulations the Rappahannock Area YMCA for their recent recognition as the first Stroke Smart Organization in the Fredericksburg region. This prestigious distinction highlights their unwavering commitment to raising awareness, educating staff and the community about stroke signs and symptoms, and ensuring the prompt activation of emergency medical services. Notably, the Rappahannock Area YMCA is also the first YMCA in the United States to receive this esteemed Stroke Smart Organization recognition.
“The Rappahannock Area YMCA’s dedication to promoting stroke awareness and ensuring community safety is commendable, and we hope other organizations look to them as an example and want to become a Stroke Smart Organization as well,” said Susan M. Halpin, MSN, RN, SCRN, Stroke Coordinator, Primary Stroke Center, Mary Washington Hospital. “We are assured Mary Washington Healthcare, along with the Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services (REMS) Council and the YMCA will continue to promote stroke awareness and education to help create a healthier community.”
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and a major cause of death in the United States. Timely treatment saves lives and improves post-stroke outcomes. Efforts to enhance stroke awareness and education have led to the rapid growth of a statewide public health initiative called Stroke Smart Virginia. This initiative aims to empower communities with the knowledge of recognizing stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 911. Collaborating closely with the REMS Council and the Community Outreach Patient Engagement (COPE) Program, MWHC and the Virginia Department of Health, the City of Fredericksburg was proclaimed a Stroke Smart city in 2022, making it the first locality in the region to receive this designation.
MWHC’s Primary Stroke Center has been a steadfast partner of Stroke Smart Fredericksburg since its inception, actively contributing to raising stroke awareness and improving outcomes. As part of this collaborative effort, MWHC provided comprehensive education to the Rappahannock Area YMCA locations, enabling their staff members to become ‘stroke smart’ and empowering them to take crucial steps in stroke prevention and response.
“The YMCA’s commitment to stroke education and prevention is evident through our comprehensive training program and am proud of the staff’s ability to recognize stroke symptoms and take immediate action to not only save a life, but to improve someone’s quality of life,” says Barney Reilly, CEO of the Rappahannock Area YMCA. “I also extend my gratitude to Mary Washington Healthcare for their invaluable services and dedication to saving lives and educating the community.”
To view the YMCA Stroke Smart presentation, click here.
For more information about stroke and Stroke Smart resources, please visit Stroke.mwhc.com.