Vidant Beaufort Hospital Receives Grant for Stroke Certification | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Washington, N.C.     May 31, 2018     Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington recently received a $43,000 grant from the nonprofit North Carolina Stroke Association (NCSA) as part of its Time is Brain, Time for Change initiative.

    "Stroke is the third leading cause of death in eastern North Carolina. In Beaufort County, the stroke death rate is higher than the national average. And we know that rapid access to stroke care saves lives," said Vidant Beaufort Hospital Emergency Department and Stroke Medical Director Anthony Frank, MD. "This grant supports our mission and will help us bridge the gap between people who need stroke care and access to that care."

    The hospital is pursuing Primary Stroke Center certification by the Joint Commission, and the NCSA grant will help fund programs required for certification.

    "We are so pleased to provide this funding to Vidant Beaufort Hospital as they advance stroke care for their patients and the larger community," said NCSA Executive Director Beth Parks. "Although significant strides have been made in reducing the incidence and impact of stroke across our state, it remains a major health issue for North Carolina, especially in the eastern counties."

    Vidant Beaufort is the fourth hospital serving the counties of eastern North Carolina to receive a grant from NCSA's Time is Brain, Time for Change initiative. Other hospitals include Vidant Chowan Hospital in Edenton, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro and Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie.

    "We are revolutionizing the way we diagnose, treat and manage stroke in eastern North Carolina," said Vidant Medical Center Stroke Program Manager Ashley Elks, BSN, RN, PCCN. "Our stroke system of care involves partnerships within and beyond Vidant hospitals. NCSA's contribution will help support the great work that's already underway to provide excellent care through stroke education, prevention, treatment and research."

    The total amount of NCSA grants provided to Vidant hospitals is $164,260.

• Contact: Erica Mizelle
•     erica.mizelle@vidanthealth.com