Eileen Hawkins, RN, MSN, CNRN, Stroke Program Coordinator at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, will be speaking at a free evening program Monday, Nov. 3, at the First Congregational Church in Camden.

"Focus on Healing: Stroke" will be held in the Mayflower Room of the church, at 55 Elm St. in Camden from 7 to 9 p.m. Participants should park in the church parking lot behind the church and enter through the door on the parking lot side.

"This program is all about educating the public and helping people to understand stroke and its impacts. The more we each understand, the more effective we can be in helping stroke victims to deal with the changes brought on by stroke, and to help them heal," Hawkins said.

Penobscot Bay Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in the State of Maine designated as a certified Primary Stroke Center. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the major cause of disability.

Education about risk factors, warning signs and treatment can reduce the impacts of stroke and save lives, said Hawkins. Education is a key part of the PBMC Stroke Center's mission, she said.

"Stroke used to be considered as largely untreatable," said Hawkins. "But we now know that people who recognize stroke symptoms and seek immediate medical attention for the most common type of stroke may receive early treatment that can effectively treat the stroke and minimize its impact."

During the Nov. 3 presentation, Hawkins will define what a stroke is, and cover risk factors, warning signs and treatment, complications and disabilities. Hawkins also will discuss some basic strategies to help stroke victims manage losses in function and cope with disability.

"Focus on Healing: Stroke" is offered through the "Live and Learn" series of free seminars and workshops presented for residents of the Midcoast area by the First Congregational Church, Camden.

To sign up for the free program, "Focus on Healing: Stroke," please call the Church office at 236-4821 and talk with Nan Smith. Participation will be limited to 40.