Arkansas Travelers to Host ‘Strike Out Stroke Night’ May 14
| LITTLE ROCK — To help Arkansans learn how to survive stroke, the Arkansas Travelers are making May 14 “Strike Out Stroke Night” in partnership with AR SAVES, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)-led statewide stroke program.
A helicopter will bring Nicolas Bianchi, M.D., AR SAVES medical director, to the field at North Little Rock’s Dickey-Stephens Park to deliver baseballs for the game’s first-pitch ceremony, all strikes against stroke.
One stroke survivor will throw the first strike, and other stroke survivors will be recognized on the field as well. Gates will open at 6 p.m. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. against the Tulsa Drillers.
Volunteers from AR SAVES (Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support) sites around the state will work at stroke education booths, and brain-shaped stress toys will be thrown into the stands.
AR SAVES stroke survivors will be honored guests at the game. Their presence in a reserved seating section will serve as a reminder to others that getting to the hospital quickly can prevent stroke death and disability.
Arkansas ranks first in the nation in stroke death rates. Surviving a stroke is becoming more likely as more community hospitals join the SAVES network. The program uses a high-speed video communications system to help provide immediate, life-saving treatments to stroke patients 24 hours a day. The real-time video communication enables a stroke neurologist to evaluate whether emergency room physicians should use t-PA within the critical three-hour period following the first signs of stroke.
“This is an important part of UAMS’ mission — reaching out to other areas of the state and helping local physicians identify patients with stroke and improve the patients’ outcomes,” said Michael Manley, director of AR SAVES.
The AR SAVES program is a partnership of the UAMS Center for Distance Health, the state Department of Human Services and 47 Arkansas hospitals.