Terumo Neuro and Tulane University School of Medicine’s Dr. Kendrick Johnson Release Educational Video Highlighting the Importance of Stroke Awareness and Equitable Healthcare[...]

Aliso Viejo, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, October 29, 2024 - In honor of World Stroke Day on October 29, 2024, Terumo Neuro has partnered with Tulane University School of Medicine and Dr. Kendrick Johnson, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Tulane University School of Medicine, to release a compelling educational video focused on raising awareness about stroke education and the critical need for equitable healthcare access.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, with Louisiana ranking among the top states with the highest stroke death rates. The burden disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities. Immediate treatment is critical when a person suffers a stroke, yet, for example, a 2021 survey found that 19% of Louisiana residents live more than a 45-minute drive from a certified stroke center, highlighting significant geographic barriers to timely care.

In the video, Dr. Johnson, a dual-trained neurosurgeon at East Jefferson General Hospital, emphasizes the urgency of improving access to stroke care, particularly for communities facing socioeconomic challenges and racial and ethnic disparities. The video explores the vital role of education in addressing the disparities that prevent many from receiving the life-saving treatment they need in time.

"We are proud to join Terumo Neuro in this vital effort to raise awareness about stroke education on World Stroke Day," said Dr. Kendrick Johnson. "Our mission is to break down the barriers to equitable healthcare, and ensuring access to timely stroke care is a crucial part of that. By focusing on education, we are committed to reaching the communities that need us most and providing them with the resources and support they deserve."

Key Themes of the Video:

• Advocating for Access to Stroke Care for All: The video highlights the high incidence and prevalence of strokes in low-income and minority communities, as well as the significant barriers these groups face in accessing timely and effective treatment. Geographic challenges, such as living far from stroke centers, further exacerbate the problem in states like Louisiana and other regions in the Southern United States what is also known as "the Stroke Belt."

• Raising Awareness of Stroke Disparities: With factors such as longer hospital wait times, mistrust of the healthcare system, and fewer available providers, the video stresses the urgent need to improve healthcare access for underserved populations. Dr. Johnson also sheds light on the specific risk factors that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities, which often go unaddressed.

• Educational Outreach: A key component of Dr. Johnson's vision is promoting public education on the signs and symptoms of stroke, emphasizing the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately when symptoms arise. Dr. Johnson advocates for community involvement, particularly in schools, churches, and local organizations, to spread awareness and encourage healthier lifestyle choices that can reduce stroke risk.

• Commitment to Healthcare Equity: Dr. Johnson, together with Terumo Neuro, is committed to education to pave the way in removing barriers to stroke care. The video underscores the need for more research, policy changes, and community engagement to address disparities in stroke treatment and outcomes with the goal of raising awareness to the critical issues surrounding stroke care in underserved populations.

This World Stroke Day, understand the signs of stroke-such as sudden numbness, confusion, trouble seeing, walking, or severe headaches-and to BEFAST. Together, we can save lives and improve outcomes for stroke survivors worldwide (see accompanying infographic).

BEFAST is an acronym used to help people remember the signs of a stroke and act quickly. Each letter stands for a key warning sign:

• B = Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

• E = Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• F = Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile, severe headache.

• A = Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm. If one arm drifts downward when raised, it is a warning sign.

• S = Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

• T = Time: Time is Brain. Time to call emergency services immediately. Every second counts.
  (*Sources: Stroke Awareness Foundation, American Heart Association)

The video released from Terumo Neuro and Tulane University School of Medicine featuring Dr. Kendrick Johnson will be available for viewing on terumoneuro.com and medicine.tulane.edu, as well as all related social media platforms on October 29, 2024, in alignment with World Stroke Day.