FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 20, 2005
DHEC Deputy Director named stroke health ambassador
COLUMBIA – Lisa Waddell, M.D., deputy commissioner for health services at the state Department of Health and Environmental Control has been named as a South Carolina Ambassador for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Power to End Stroke initiative.
“I’m pleased to be a part of this powerful national initiative,” Dr. Waddell said. “I’m looking forward to working on this project, which will educate people in the ‘Stroke Belt’ about ways to reduce their risks from this disease.”
Dr. Waddell said more than 50 DHEC volunteers will be trained on deliver important messages in the African- American community about stroke prevention, reducing risk factors and the early warning signs and symptoms. The DHEC volunteer ambassadors will encourage South Carolinians to take the Power To End Stroke pledge and make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their families.
“This campaign, targeting African-Americans, will address health disparities related to stroke while reminding our residents that in many cases, stroke may be preventable,” Dr. Waddell said.
For more information about the program, visit www.strokeassociation.org/power or call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE.
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For more information:
Shauna Hicks – (803) 898-0868
E-mail – hickssp@dhec.sc.gov
or
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov