Stroke Awareness Event, Operation Stroke , Slated for May 23

May 23, 2001

Stroke is a blockage of blood flow to the brain caused by a clogged or ruptured blood vessel. It is the third leading cause of death behind diseases of the heart and cancer, and is a leading cause of severe, long-term disability.

As part of the initiative to improve the care of stroke patients, a group of healthcare providers, administrators, stroke supervisors, caregivers and civic leaders have come together for Operation Stroke . The mission of Operation Stroke is to increase stroke awareness and ultimately improve the "stroke chain of survival"--the crucial steps that can save a victim's life during a stroke.

The awareness event will kick off with a brief press conference at the Chicago office of the American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 900, at 10 a.m.

Call Frank Diaz at (312) 346-4675 ext. 259 if you have any questions, or if you are interested in joining Operation Stroke; or visit The American Stroke Association. University of Chicago physician Jim Walter, M.D., co-chairs the event.