In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN) is emphasizing the strength of its comprehensive, high-quality stroke care across Palm Beach County, offering patients rapid access to some of the most advanced treatment options available.

Palm Beach Health Network is home to two Comprehensive Stroke Centers, located at Delray Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center, the highest level of certification for stroke care. This designation is reserved for hospitals equipped to treat the most complex stroke cases with advanced technology, specialized teams, and around-the-clock capabilities. Both hospitals have been nationally recognized for their commitment to providing high-quality stroke care, reflecting adherence to rigorous clinical standards and a focus on improving patient outcomes.

“Our network is built to respond immediately when seconds matter most,” said Maggie Gill, Group President for Palm Beach Health Network and Tenet Healthcare’s East Coast region. “From advanced imaging and neurosurgical expertise to rehabilitation and recovery, we’ve created a system of care that ensures patients have access to the highest level of stroke treatment close to home.”

Beyond its two comprehensive centers, PBHN provides three Primary Stroke Center locations across the county, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center. 

New this year, PBHN is offering a hands-on, interactive experience to help users understand the signs and symptoms of a stroke through a specially designed chair, equipped with headphones and iPad, guided by a calming voice. The interactive tool highlights the BE FAST acronym, helping users recognize key warning signs:

Balance - can you notice balance issues?

Eyes or vision changes - ask the person if they are seeing double or blurry vision?

Face - ask the person to smile, does one side of the face droop? 

Arms - can the person raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward? 

Speech - ask the person to repeat a simple phrase, is the speech slurred or strange? 

Time - if you see any of these signs, call 911 right away. Also, note the time when the symptoms first appear, this helps health care providers determine the type of treatment needed. 

The experience will be available for the public to use starting on May 5th at Delray Medical Center.

Upcoming events for National Stroke Month in the Palm Beach Health Network:

• Interactive BEFAST Stroke Experience: Delray Medical Center daily starting May 5th
• Stroke Risk Assessment: Monday, May 11^th, 10am-2pm @ St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Cypress Room
• Free Stroke Risk Assessment & Heart Matters Screening: May 14^th @ Delray Medical Center Lobby from 9am-11am
• Free Stroke Risk Assessment & Heart Matters Screening: May 14^th @ Florida Coast Medical Center from 9am-11am
• May is Stroke Month: What You Need To Know – May 18^th, Noon to 1pm @ South County Civic Center, a seminar by Dr. Dennys Reyes
• Stroke Survivors Support Group: May 27^th @ St. Mary’s Medical Center (repeats every 4^th Wednesday monthly)

If you are interested in learning more about these events or to consult with a medical provider, call: 888-318-0764.

About Palm Beach Health Network

The Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN), comprising six hospitals and care centers spanning Palm Beach County, is the largest healthcare network in Palm Beach County. Our hospitals, including Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and West Boca Medical Center, along with a large multi-specialty physician group, various ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient diagnostic facilities, is recognized for providing the highest quality healthcare, combining cutting-edge health services with patient-centric care. With the greatest longevity in the community, along with hospitals and care centers that span the entirety of Palm Beach County, more patients trust PBHN than any other in the region.