The goal of National Stroke Awareness Month, held each year during May, is to create greater public awareness about stroke risk factors so that the number of strokes can be decreased. There are two main types of strokes: an ischemic stroke occurs due to a lack of blood flow; a hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to bleeding. Both types cause parts of the brain to stop functioning correctly. According to cdc.gov, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.

Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley hospitals are certified as primary stroke centers by the Joint Commission. This certification identifies our programs as capable of prompt evaluation and treatment to any stroke patient who comes to our facilities.

Having the stroke center designation reduces response times for area residents suffering from stroke symptoms. This means our patients won’t need to travel for care and will receive treatment in the critical time after symptoms occur. Heritage Valley works closely with local EMS services and developed a refined process for assessing symptoms.



A key aspect of the Heritage Valley stroke response teams is the “telestroke” system Heritage Valley has developed with Pittsburgh hospitals. Heritage Valley Beaver physicians are connected by video to neurologists at UPMC facilities, and Heritage Valley Sewickley physicians are connected to neurologists at Allegheny Health Network.

In partnership with Heritage Valley Health System, the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley offers a Stroke Support Group. Join us in a positive, caring environment and connect with other individuals and caregivers living and coping with the effects of stroke. You will be able to share experiences, offer and receive support, and learn about community resources.

The meetings are held at 3:00 pm in the café at the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, located at 351 Camp Meeting Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. 

The meeting dates for 2023 are listed below. Please call 412-749-2297 to RSVP.

To help support and educate our community in blood pressure management, Heritage Valley has partnered with the American Heart Association to provide self-service HealthBot stations in three of our Medical Neighborhoods ... Center Township, Chippewa and Robinson Township. The HealthBot stations measure blood pressure, heart rate, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), giving you the chance to “know your numbers” and monitor your vital signs. By consistently tracking these numbers over time, you may be able to decrease high rates of hypertension and obesity.

Women in particular should be managing their blood pressure. According to the American Stroke Association, women may have an increased risk of high blood pressure — and therefore a higher risk of stroke. Pregnancy, menopause or simply being a woman of color may play a part in increasing your risk.



Please stop by one of these three Medical Neighborhoods Monday through Friday from 8 am – 7:30 pm or Sundays from 8 am – 3:30 pm to check your numbers. Knowledge is power when it comes to adopting a healthy lifestyle!

Shelley enjoys being the “work Mom” at the Heritage Valley Family Medicine Center Residency Program! For over 30 years, she has contributed to the development of physicians, encouraging them to succeed and helping them on their journeys. Shelley states that watching physicians learn and grow as they go through the Residency Program has been an amazing experience.

A great time was had by all at the recent Heritage Valley Service Recognition Event, which was held last evening at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Employee years of service ranged from five to 45, and 70 of the award recipients have been with Heritage Valley for over 30 years! Employees enjoyed food stations, live music, photo booths, handwriting analysis, basket raffles and games of chance.  It was wonderful to be able to celebrate and recognize our employees!

The deadline is quickly approaching for students in the Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley service areas who are pursuing an education in a healthcare field to apply for Health Care Scholarships. The scholarships are funded and awarded by the Medical Staffs of each hospital.

Please click here for information and to complete the on-line application. The deadline for submission of the application and required attachments is May 31, 2023, and winners will be announced by June 30, 2023.