November 10, 2022 – ARH System – Rachel Jenkins, MSN, RN, Neuroscience Service Line Director, was awarded the “2022 Karpf Award” by The Norton Healthcare/University of Kentucky HealthCare – Stroke Care Network.

This award is earned by members of the Stroke Care Network through effective interaction, collaboration, and by exceeding expectations in promoting stroke systems of care. Jenkins’ expertise and leadership benefits not only the Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc. system and the Stroke Care Network, but also the stroke systems across Kentucky and West Virginia.

At the Network’s annual Summit meeting, Dr. Larry Goldstein, interim director of the Stroke Care Network, congratulated Rachel Jenkins and the ARH System for their continued dedication to excellence in stroke care.

“The ARH System’s commitment to providing and promoting the highest quality stroke care and to strengthening our regional stroke system of care is to be commended,” Dr. Goldstein said. “Our states are among the worst in the nation for stroke risk factors and stroke incidence. With the cooperation and collaboration of entities such as the Stroke Care Network and the ARH System, and the contribution of experts like the system’s physicians and Ms. Jenkins, we are beginning to make a difference.”

Lisa Bellamy, BHS, RN, CPHQ, the Stroke Care Network’s managing director, notes that Rachel Jenkins and the ARH System “has a strong team approach that helps drive their success. Sharing knowledge and collaborating with other hospitals is key to improving stroke care in our region. The ARH System’s steadfast commitment to improving stroke care for the citizens of Kentucky is appreciated and commended.”

“I am proud to be part of the ARH team working to improve stroke care for our communities in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. I have had the privilege to participate with the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Task Force, Kentucky’s Stroke Encounter Quality Improvement (steering committee), and the Norton/UK Stroke Care Network,” says Jenkins.

As 14 of the 37 affiliate hospitals in the Stroke Care Network, the hospitals in the ARH System have access to networking with other stroke care centers in the tri-state area, an abundance of educational offerings and resources, and support from comprehensive-level stroke certified organizations. The ARH System’s affiliation and participation within the Stroke Care Network, and Rachel’s leadership contribute to the Network’s overall mission of strengthening the stroke system of care throughout our region.