On World Stroke Day, Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN) joined healthcare organizations globally to highlight the impact of stroke and promote prevention efforts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke affects about 800,000 people in the United States each year and remains a leading cause of long-term disability.
Recent trends show that strokes are increasingly affecting younger people due to factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use. Experts stress that anyone can experience a stroke regardless of age.
“Stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” said Dr. Dennys Reyes, interventional neurologist at Delray Medical Center. “What’s most important is recognizing the signs quickly and calling 911 right away. Rapid treatment can make the difference between a full recovery and permanent disability.”
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. The CDC notes that over 87 percent of strokes in the U.S. are ischemic, meaning they result from clots blocking blood flow to the brain. Timely hospital care can improve outcomes for these patients.
“We have advanced technology and specialized teams ready to respond immediately,” said Dr. Daniel Vela-Duarte, interventional neurologist at St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Every minute counts. The faster a patient gets care, the greater their chances for a better outcome.”
PBHN provides access to comprehensive stroke services throughout Palm Beach County. The network operates two Comprehensive Stroke Centers—Delray Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center—and three Primary Stroke Centers: Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and West Boca Medical Center.
The CDC recommends using the BE FAST acronym for identifying potential strokes:
– Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
– Eyes: Sudden vision changes.
– Face: Facial drooping.
– Arms: Weakness in one arm.
– Speech: Slurred or unusual speech.
– Time: Call 911 if any symptoms appear.
Early recognition and intervention are essential for minimizing long-term damage from stroke.
To support community education and prevention efforts, PBHN is offering several events:
– A Stroke Survivors Support Group meets November 19 at St. Mary’s Medical Center and repeats monthly on every fourth Wednesday.
– On October 29 at 2 p.m., Dr. Daniel Vela-Duarte will speak about stroke awareness at Mandell Public Library in downtown West Palm Beach.
– Free stroke assessments will be available on October 29 from 9–11 a.m., both at Delray Medical Center’s Legacy Lobby near Starbucks/giftshop and at Florida Coast Medical Center.
For more information about PBHN’s stroke services—including care options, prevention tips, and recovery resources—visit their website.
Palm Beach Health Network is described as Palm Beach County’s largest healthcare system with six hospitals—including Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Florida Coast Medical Center—and multiple specialty groups plus outpatient facilities across the county.
