NEWS RELEASE – October 14, 2021Harlan ARH Hospital Received Stroke Care Network Innovation Award
HARLAN, Ky. — (10/14/2021) – It is with great honor that Harlan ARH Hospital has been named the recipient of The Norton Healthcare/University of Kentucky HealthCare – Stroke Care Network’s “Innovation Award” for the fiscal year 2021.
This award is earned by a Stroke Care Network (SCN) affiliate hospital each year by demonstrating remarkable innovation in implementing a leading-edge approach. Despite the many challenges existing in the past year, Harlan ARH Hospital found a way to continue their efforts to maintain community education and raise awareness for stroke. Utilizing a virtual approach, Harlan ARH Hospital continued vital community education by adapting the Stroke Care Network’s pediatric stroke education called the Brain Protector Program. Typically done in person, the Brain Protector Program aims to educate elementary school children on the importance of recognizing and preventing Stroke. Modifying this program to be presented virtually is an excellent way to adapt and persevere in these unprecedented times.
At the Network’s annual Summit meeting on October 14th, Larry Goldstein, MD, interim director of the Stroke Care Network, complimented Harlan ARH Hospital for their dedication to excellence in stroke care.
“Harlan ARH Hospital’s commitment to providing stroke community education and to strengthening our regional stroke system of care is to be commended,” Dr. Goldstein said. “Everyone’s goal is to provide the best care and education for stroke as close to home as possible, and Harlan ARH Hospital’s efforts embody that principle.”
Donnie Fields, Harlan ARH Hospital CCEO, stressed the ongoing efforts to educate the community regarding stroke symptoms and actions as a vital health concern. “We have to continue to educate, even your children, on the signs and symptoms of stroke and acting quickly. That’s what Lisa and the Brain Projector program continue to do. Her dedication to maintaining community education during these times is inspiring.”
Lisa Bellamy, BHS, RN, CPHQ, Stroke Care Network’s managing director, notes “They used creativity and innovation to maintain their community education efforts. Thinking outside the box and adapting to circumstances are two attributes that make this organization stand out and succeed.
As one of the 37 affiliate hospitals in the Stroke Care Network, Harlan ARH Hospital has access to networking with other stroke care centers in the tri-state area, an abundance of educational offerings and resources, and support from higher level stroke certified organizations. Harlan ARH Hospital’s affiliation and participation within the Stroke Care Network contributes to the Network’s overall mission of strengthening the stroke system of care throughout our region.
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About Appalachian Regional Healthcare: ARH the Healthcare System of Appalachia, and ranked as one of the Top 10 Employers in Kentucky by Forbes Magazine, is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies. ARH employs more than 6,000 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $330 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 600 active and courtesy medical staff members. ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third largest private employer in southern West Virginia, and is consistently recognized for its medical excellence.