MEDtalks Event Draws Sold-Out Crowd for Stroke Awareness Session

BROCKVILLE – The Brockville & District Hospital Foundation (BDHF) welcomed a sold-out audience to MEDtalks on October 21 at the Aquatarium, where community members gathered for a free information session to learn more about stroke prevention, treatment, recovery, and the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms quickly.

The informative evening featured presentations from Dr. Albert Jin, Provincial Clinical Lead for Stroke with Ontario Health, Professor in the Division of Neurology at Queen’s University and a Specialist in Cerebrovascular Disease, Natalie Aitken, Regional Rehabilitation Coordinator with the Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario, and Jennifer Godkin, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the Adult Day Program at Senior Support Services LLG., who shared valuable insights into stroke risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, recovery supports, and community resources available to patients and caregivers.

One of the key messages emphasized throughout the evening was the importance of acting FAST when stroke symptoms appear. Speakers stressed that individuals who experience signs of a stroke, or witness someone displaying symptoms, should call 911 immediately. Quick action can significantly improve outcomes and ensures the Brockville General Hospital stroke team is prepared and ready to provide timely care upon arrival.

The evening was also a source of pride for our community, as Brockville General Hospital was recognized for its advanced stroke program and its commitment to delivering high-quality, timely care close to home. Guests learned about the specialized services available locally and the ongoing efforts of hospital teams to ensure patients have access to exceptional stroke treatment and recovery support when every minute matters.

Audience members were highly engaged throughout the presentations and took advantage of an interactive question-and-answer session following the event. The discussion provided an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with healthcare professionals, ask questions about their health, and gain a deeper understanding of stroke care and prevention.

“Seeing such a strong turnout highlights the importance of providing accessible health education opportunities within our community,” said Trish Buote, Executive Director of the Brockville & District Hospital Foundation. “We are grateful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and to everyone who joined us for an evening of learning and meaningful discussion.”

“Knowledge is a powerful tool in healthcare. The strong turnout for this MEDtalks session speaks to the importance of stroke prevention and the community’s desire to better understand how to reduce their risk,” said Julie Caffin, President and CEO of Brockville General. “Stroke affects many individuals and families, and events like this help people make informed decisions about their health and well-being.”

The Brockville & District Hospital Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the community for their continued support of MEDtalks. The strong attendance and engagement at these sessions demonstrate the importance of providing accessible healthcare information and education close to home. The Foundation would also like to extend special thanks to Kathy Hunt of RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities for sponsoring this event and to the Aquatarium for once again serving as an exceptional host venue for the evening.

For those who were unable to attend, presentation materials and a video recording of the October 21 session will be available on the Brockville & District Hospital Foundation website www.bdhfoundation.com in the coming weeks.  Community members are encouraged to watch the Foundation’s website and social media for details about the next MEDtalks session, planned for early 2027.