In a recent government meeting, Stephanie Love, vice chairwoman of the MSCS board, shared her personal journey of surviving two strokes and the challenges she faced with aphasia, a language disorder that affected her ability to communicate. Love recounted the harrowing experience of her strokes, which occurred suddenly in February 2022, leaving her paralyzed on one side and unable to speak for two months. Despite her lack of traditional risk factors for strokes, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, she emphasized the need for greater awareness and education about stroke symptoms and the importance of timely medical intervention.

Dr. Balakrishnaya, a stroke medical director, echoed Love's sentiments, highlighting the alarming statistics regarding stroke prevalence in Shelby County, where the risk is 33% higher than the national average. He stressed the importance of community education to recognize stroke symptoms and the need for timely action, as many patients do not receive the care they need due to communication barriers.

Kelly Owens, who has been involved in rehabilitation efforts following her husband's aneurysm, introduced an intensive aphasia therapy program called \"Aphasia Boot Camp\" at the University of Memphis. This program aims to provide essential rehabilitation for stroke survivors and their caregivers, promoting recovery and community support.

Commissioner Caswell praised Love for her resilience and advocacy, noting her role as a voice for many in the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment from health department officials to explore the formation of a task force dedicated to addressing stroke awareness and prevention in the region, emphasizing the need for a centralized approach to tackle this pressing health issue.