Action Alert - You're the Cure

The internet, video-conferencing and other technologies come in handy every day at home or in the office- but did you know that they can also help improve or even save the life of a stroke patient?

Right now, we have the technologies (known as telemedicine) needed to help doctors diagnose and treat strokes remotely. However, far too many Americans who could benefit from telemedicine services cannot access them due to a number of barriers.

That's why we need your help today to urge your Senators to cosponsor the Rural Telemedicine Enhancing Community Health (TECH) Act of 2009.

Lack of awareness of stroke symptoms, travel time to hospitals, and shortages of stroke specialists are among the barriers to the most effective stroke treatment. The result? Only 3-5% of stroke patients receive the latest recommended treatment. The Rural TECH Act would use telemedicine to connect many more patients with needed services to prevent or reduce disability from stroke.

Tell your Senators that patients in KY are counting on them to support telehealth services.

In this technological age, there is no reason why any stroke patient should be deprived of access to high-quality care. Telemedicine has proven to be an effective means of helping provide critical services in rural, urban, and suburban areas alike- and the passage of this bill will help expand access to people who need it most.

Thank you for taking action on this critical stroke issue!

Sincerely,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association 

Release Date: 11/20/2009