Forsyth Medical Center 
Stroke
Stroke Belt Elimination Program: Community Initiatives to Eliminate Stroke (CITIES)
| In 2004, Forsyth Stroke & Neurovascular Center was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more, call (336) 277-1408. |
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About the Grant
Through a unique network of community partnernships, the innovative education and prevention program seeks to reduce the excessively high rates of stroke, stroke disabilities and stroke deaths that disproportionately occur in the southeastern region of the United States.
With this grant, Forsyth Medical Center has teamed with Moses Cone Health System to develop and implement this lifestyle-changing program. In total, 25 organizations have agreed to play a role including local churches, Lowe's Foods, county health departments, universities, employers and other national and local community outreach organizations.
The Facts About Heart Disease and Stroke in Forsyth County
In Forsyth County, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths. Early identification of risk factors and timely access to treatment are the greatest weapons in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The majority of adults in Forsyth have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, yet many do not have access to health screenings and educational resources.
The Forsyth Stroke and Neurovascular Center at Forsyth Medical Center is providing free heart disease and stroke screenings to improve the health of Forsyth County residents. A specially designed vehicle will bring screenings to three locations each week to provide heart and stroke risk factor screenings for all participants.
Risk Factors of Heart Disease and Stroke:
- High cholesterol/lipids
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
Risk Factor Screening Program
The mobile program will be staffed by qualified healthcare professionals who will screen for risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. Blood testing for cholesterol and glucose levels will be performed on site with results available in minutes. Participants will receive an overall risk score, personal counseling and resources to make changes in their lifestyle that can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Similar services provided in a clinic or physicians office would cost $100 or more.
Screenings will include:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Cholesterol measurement
- Blood sugar measurement
Who Will Qualify?
Screenings target individuals and organizations in Forsyth County with limited access to healthcare services. Groups which qualify for free service must have 70 percent of their members/employees meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Minority status, including people for which English is a second language
- Low income status (less than $35,000 a year)
- Rural resident status
To Sign Up
If you are a member of a business or organization that would like to host a screening, or would like more information about our program, please call Forsyth Stroke and Neurovascular Center at (336) 277-1408.
