Barbour, Lewis and Randolph are among eight counties that have joined a statewide effort to help residents recognize a stroke and call 911, according to a November 2 release from the West Virginia Department of Health.
Stroke Smart West Virginia began May 1, 2026. Participating counties proclaim their commitment to stroke awareness and education. The other five counties are Kanawha, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Putnam.
The department says the program aims to address stroke risks and barriers to timely emergency care in rural communities through local education.
“When someone is experiencing stroke symptoms, time matters as immediate treatment may reduce long-term effects and even help prevent death. We want every West Virginian to know how to BEFAST and to understand that the next step is to call 911,” Acting State Health Officer and Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mark McDaniel said in the release.
The program uses BEFAST as a reminder of warning signs and the need for an immediate response:
- B — Balance: A sudden loss of coordination or balance.
- E — Eyes: Sudden difficulty seeing with one or both eyes.
- F — Face: A drooping face, uneven smile or sudden severe headache.
- A — Arms: Sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
- S — Speech: Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
- T — Time: Call 911 immediately.
Counties that want to participate can find a proclamation to declare themselves Stroke Smart and educational materials on the department’s Stroke Smart West Virginia page.
Community Bulletin
Foot and ankle pain no longer means a long drive. Vandalia Health Foot & Ankle now treats patients in four central West Virginia towns — Buckhannon, Cowen, Elkins and Philippi — part of the network long known as Davis Health System. Read more →
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