According to the CDC, each year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. That’s one American every 40 seconds. Every year, World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. On this World Stroke Day, we highlight the Health Department’s Helping Hands Stroke Group, and its facilitator, Erica Wrenn.
Erica is a Speech-Language Pathologist, working at the Joseph Willard Health Clinic as part of the Speech and Hearing Clinic team. And while she says she didn’t set out to work in Public Health, she can’t imagine being anywhere else.
“I was previously employed at an inpatient rehab hospital. However, I stumbled upon this position at the Fairfax County Health Department and have enjoyed a lengthy and very fulfilling career since then,” said Erica. “I can honestly say I love being a speech-language pathologist.”
And it’s a job that Erica says has roots in personal experience.
“My grandfather suffered a stroke. Even his ability to swallow was impacted by the stroke,” said Erica. “I saw firsthand the care that was provided to help him regain his ability to speak and comprehend language, and I saw the speech and language pathologist teach him how to swallow safely so that he could enjoy the foods he loved.”
The Helping Hands Stroke Club was founded in 1977 with just five members which has grown into 30 members across three groups: one is a combined support group for stroke survivors and caregivers, the second group is for caregivers only and the third is a speech therapy group for stroke survivors to continue working on improving speech, language and cognitive deficits. Erica has facilitated these groups since 2008.
In describing her role as facilitator, Erica is clearly focused on those she serves. She adds, “I’m an advocate for stroke survivors who are often overlooked due to communication and mobility challenges. I’m a champion for those who continue to fight for recovery in ways that are most important to them.”
The Helping Hands Stroke Club offers stroke survivors and caregivers the opportunity to share personal experiences, exchange valuable information and network with others in an informal group setting. The primary benefit of the stroke Club is to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for survivors and caregivers to openly and honestly discuss the challenges of stroke recovery. Activities vary and consist of guest speakers, open discussions and social events. Erica remembers that it was one of those other activities that made all the difference for one specific club member.
“I received a call from the daughter of a stroke survivor. Her mother was refusing to attend any support groups,” Erica recalls. “During our discussion, I learned that her mother enjoyed poetry which just happened to be an upcoming topic for a stroke club meeting. I encouraged the daughter to bring her mother to that meeting and to bring some poetry to share. After this initial meeting, the stroke survivor returned week after week and began to participate in other stroke related activities. It’s been 10 years and she’s still an active and vital member as well as the group’s staunchest supporter.”
The Helping Hands Club meets on Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and group speech therapy is on alternating Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A caregiver support group meets every other month. If you would like information on the group, you can call (703) 246-7120 (TTY 711) for details or visit the Speech and Hearing Services page on our Health Department website.