The Young Stroke Project is a research initiative to document the experience of young stroke survivors and to measure their satisfaction with community services within the 28 coastal counties of South Carolina. It is scheduled for implementation in January, 2011 thru May, 2015. This five-year long initiative will result in a multi-media report.
In South Carolina, half of all doctor diagnosed stroke incidences in 2009 affected those under the age of 65 according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The coastal counties are infamously distinguished as part of the nation's Stroke Buckle, where stroke mortality more than twice exceeds the national average. Prior to 2005, for three decades South Carolina was ranked first or second in stroke mortality. In 2006, the ranking dropped to eighth.
Despite the increasing global prevalence of stroke among young adults, there is little empirical literature addressing this topic based upon American studies. And, there is even less based upon findings from the Stroke Buckle itself.
Upon completion, the Young Stroke Project will yield a multi-media report to serve as a resource for policy makers and healthcare providers. And, perhaps more importantly, it will validate the experience of an underserved patient population which lacks voice in current healthcare discussions.
To listen to Founder Amy Edmunds describe the YoungStroke mission, click here.