RUSSELL, Ky. — Bon Secours Kentucky Health System (BSKHS) will host a free stroke education luncheon and stroke risk screening Friday, May 27 on the fifth floor of Bellefonte Centre on the Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital campus. Stroke risk screenings begin at 10:30 a.m. and lunch starts at noon.

Speaking during lunch will be neurologist Sreekanth Koneru, M.D. Koneru’s topic will be “Know Stroke: Save a Life.” A member of the BSKHS medical staff, Koneru practices at Tri-State Neuro Solutions 2222 Winchester Ave., Suite C in downtown Ashland.

May is Stroke Awareness Month. According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds despite 80 percent of strokes being preventable. Nearly 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, the leading-controllable risk factor for stroke. Stroke kills nearly 129,000 Americans annually and is the nation’s fifth most frequent cause of death.

“Our event will empower attendees by identifying their potential risks for strokes and then teaching them what to look for in regards to future risk factors,” said OLBH Stroke Coordinator Natalie Grizzle, RN, BSN. “A stroke is a medical emergency, and with every minute lost in receiving treatment additional damage is occurring in the brain. It is why it’s so important for everyone to recognize the signs of stroke and to seek help immediately if they occur.”

Space for the luncheon and screenings is limited. To RSVP for the free luncheon, call the OLBH CareLine at 606-833-CARE (2273).