Seeing red? We hope so. Red hair streaks, that is. Streaks for Stroke, a month-long event, sponsored by Providence Stroke Center, American Stroke Association and Robert's of Portland salon, is a visual celebration of May as national Stroke Awareness Month.

Treating more than 1,000 patients a year, Providence Stroke Center cares for more stroke patients than any other health system in Oregon. We offer 24-hour on-call teams at both Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Our stroke team experts include neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, emergency physicians, nurses and therapists. They quickly diagnose patients and use the most advanced methods available to restore blood flow to the brain.

Providence Stroke Center is also actively engaged in clinical research, the results of which are already being used to improve stroke care in Oregon.

Stroke can be prevented. And if recognized early, immediate treatment can prevent or reduce brain damage. Providence Stroke Center asks that you take the potentially life-saving time to learn about stroke risk factors, warning signs and treatments.

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• Use these recommended resources to learn about stroke: A stroke overview from our Healthwise medical library, a Q&A about Stroke with our own Dr. Ted Lowenkopf, and a stroke risk assessment from the American Stroke Association.
• Listen to Dr. Lowenkopf talk about the key steps to surviving stroke.
• E-mail us to request a free refrigerator magnet with stroke warning signs (Pictured to the right).

News & Information

FAST -- You can save someone's life

With three simple questions, you can know if someone may be having a stroke. When a stroke occurs, immediate medical care can mean the difference between recovery, lifelong disability and even death.

Stroke expert tells how you can think FAST
In a 60-second radio announcement, Lisa Yanase, M.D., associate medical director of Providence Stroke Center, tells how you can recognize stroke symptoms and maybe save someone's life.

What is a stroke?
Ted Lowenkopf, M.D., medical director of Providence Stroke Center, explains what a stroke is, why immediate medical care is vital, what the symptoms of stroke are, and what you should do if you think someone may be having a stroke. Listen to his radio interview.

Stroke Center researchers work to improve emergency stroke care

A clinical study underway at Providence Stroke Center is helping determine the most safe and effective way to give stroke patients emergency clot-busting drugs.

“Time is Brain”

Dr. Ted Lowenkopf explains stroke risk factors and the important of early treatment in this KGW News Channel 8 t.v. spot.

Salon stylists teach clients about stroke

Hundreds of Portland residents received a potentially life-saving lesson when they visited a local hair salon during National Stroke Awareness Month in May. Watch the KPTV-interview as women get streaks for stroke.

Stroke Center wins national certification — again

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center has again received the Gold Seal of Approval™ for stroke care and re-certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Providence Portland Medical Center was re-certified as a Primary Stroke Center in May 2007.

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center was the first facility in Oregon to receive the Gold Seal award in 2004, and Providence Portland Medical Center quickly followed in 2005.

Providence awarded for stroke services

Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center have earned silver and gold, respectively, from the American Heart Assocation’s “Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Performance Awards” program. These awards recognize one or two years of excellence in stroke care performance.

Ask an Expert

Dr. Ted Lowenkopf, medical director of Providence Stroke Center, answers select questions about stroke sent in from our readers.