May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and approximately 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke each year, according to the American Stroke Association. This means that nearly every 40 seconds, someone suffers from a stroke. Around two-thirds of stroke survivors will require rehabilitation services to help them live fuller, more independent lives after being treated in the hospital.

Encompass Health and Ballad Health recently hosted a community event to celebrate stroke survivors. The event included free food, health screenings, and stroke education opportunities, as well as stories from stroke survivors. In an interview with WCYB News 5, Troy Clark, CEO of the Rehabilitation Hospitals of Bristol and Kingsport, said: “It doesn’t have to be a lifelong impairment. Patients can return to independence, can return to living their lives back with their families. We are out here celebrating with some of our patients, clinicians and liaisons.”

Source: WCYB