(March 4, 2005 -- Rockville Centre, NY) – Mercy Medical Center will be offering Stroke Alert! – the American Stroke Association’s FREE stroke screening program. The screening will take place on Friday, May 20 in the Mercy League Lounge at the CHS Management Center from 8:00AM – 12NOON. The program will include blood pressure screenings, a cholesterol screening, carotid artery assessment and dietary recommendations. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States with someone suffering a stroke every 45 seconds. About 700,000 Americans suffer strokes every year, and it is the leading cause of serious long term disability. Mercy’s goal, along with the American Stroke Association is to raise public awareness and promote education in the community. Stroke is a Medical Emergency.  Know the Warning Signs and Don’t Delay.   Registration is limited, so act now! Please register by Friday, May 13 at 516-705-2722.

Stroke Alert! is a FREE stroke screening and awareness campaign first developed by the American Heart Association to educate the public about stroke, its warning signs and risk factors and preventative steps to minimize a person’s risk of stroke. Stroke Alert! Is a partnership between the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and hundreds of hospitals, public health departments and other health sites. The American Stroke Association urges all Americans to learn their risk for stroke. Stroke is a Medical Emergency. Know the Warning Signs and Don’t Delay. Call 9-1-1 Immediately. For more information about Stroke Alert! or a screening location near you, call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653).

Media Contact: Diane O'Doherty at 516-705-2619