Mercy News
Mercy's 300 Sisters Event Attracts Nearly 350 Free Stroke Education
Program Focused on Diabetes, Hypertension Risk Factors

Mercy Mission Continues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2008

CONTACT:
Cindy Hickey, Public Relations
330-489-1212
cindy.hickey@csauh.com

Mercy's 300 Sisters Event Attracts Nearly 350
Free Stroke Education Program Focused on Diabetes, Hypertension
Risk Factors

Canton, Ohio: Mercy Medical Center presented its fourth annual 300 Sisters in Red event this past Saturday at the Canton Negro Oldtimers Activity Center in Canton.

nearly 350 women from the community attended Mercy's fourth annual 300 Sisters in Red event
On Feb. 9, nearly 350 women from the community attended Mercy's fourth annual 300 Sisters in Red event, an educational program that promotes cardiovascular health awareness among African American women.

Designed to promote cardiovascular health among local African American women, the 2008 program focused on the connection between diabetes, hypertension and stroke. Guest speaker Albert Domingo, M.S., M.D., an internist and specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Mercy, addressed nearly 350 guests following a complimentary buffet luncheon.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third-leading cause of death among African Americans, and more than 100,000 will suffer one this year. Stroke is also a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

Allison Goshay, nursing director at Mercy, offered opening and closing remarks. As part of Mercy's multidisciplinary stroke team, she has played an active role in helping the hospital obtain its Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers.   

Albert Domingo, M.S., M.D., an internist and specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Mercy, was the keynote speaker
Albert Domingo, M.S., M.D., an internist and specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Mercy, was the keynote speaker. He discussed the connection between diabetes, hypertension and stroke.

She said, "The many stroke programs and support groups that Mercy offers, including its highly successful 300 Sisters in Red event, reflect the hospital's commitment to providing the very best in stroke management and recovery for patients and their families. Our outstanding team of skilled physicians, nurses and therapists will also continue education outreach efforts with the goal of reducing the impact of stroke among minorities and others in our community."

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Stark County Alumnae Chapter, assisted with planning the 300 Sisters event, and additional support was provided by Anthem Insurance.

Mercy Medical Center, along with the Sisters of Charity Health System and University Hospitals Health System, operates a 476-bed hospital serving Stark, Carroll, Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas Counties and parts of Southeastern Ohio. It has 550 physicians on its Medical Staff and employs 2,500 people. Mercy operates outpatient health centers in Carrollton, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Louisville and North Canton. A Catholic hospital, Mercy Medical Center upholds the mission and philosophy of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and continues to be responsive to the needs of the community, including the provision of care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, see www.cantonmercy.com