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Stroke Symptoms to Watch For: Know the “BEFAST” Signs |
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May is Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes are a neurological disorder characterized by a blockage or interruption of blood flow to the brain. This can be caused by inefficient blood and oxygen supply to the brain (ischemic stroke) or by bleeding or leaking blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke). In the United States, strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability, morbidity, and the fifth leading cause of death effecting nearly 795,000 people each year.
This month, Jennifer Elloyan, RN, Stroke Program Manager (Comprehensive Stroke Center) shares six warning signs and symptoms, known as “BEFAST”, that may indicate an onset of a stroke. Below is a checklist of what to look out for if you or a loved one are suspected of having a stroke.
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Balance: Are you experiencing a sudden loss of balance?
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Eye: Are you experiencing a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes?
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Face: Does your face look uneven?
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Arm: Are one of your arms hanging down?
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Speech: Are you experiencing slurred speech or having difficulty speaking?
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Time: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911.
Having received Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification from The Joint Commission, BMC is proud to provide the highest level of care for patients with complex stroke conditions. |
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National Nurses Week: A Salute to Nurses |
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During this year’s National Nurses Week from May 6 to 12, BMC celebrated the more than 3,000 nurses who deliver expert, compassionate care to patients year-round. The 2025 theme, “The Power of Nurses,” highlights the collective impact each nurse has on the profession, their patients’ lives, and their communities.
To capture that impact, BMC’s health news outlet, HealthCity, caught up with
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A Mother’s Day Tribute to Luci and Alessandro |
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This May we recognized the role of caregivers – both professional – such as our expert and compassionate nurses – as well as personal, such as moms like Luci. With support from BMC’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Luci helped her little warrior, Alessandro, overcome incredible challenges. Born at just 26 weeks, Alessandro faced critical health issues and spent nearly six months in the hospital.
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Today, Alessandro is a thriving 13-month-old whose rapid development continues to impress his early intervention team.
Luci found strength in her bond with NICU charge nurse Judy Burke. "I am forever grateful to Judy and everyone at BMC for the way they cared for my son," she says. |
| Read Luci and Alessandro's full story → |
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New Names, Renewed Commitment |
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We’re excited to share that St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is now Boston Medical Center – Brighton, and Good Samaritan Medical Center is now Boston Medical Center – South.
These changes reflect our shared commitment to you: expert care, compassionate providers, and advancing access and innovation across our communities. Together, we’re building a unified health system focused on what matters most: your health and your future.
“Our vision for a unified health system, rooted in expert care and access for our communities, is steadily taking shape,” said Alastair Bell, MD, MBA, President & CEO of BMC Health System. “We are creating a shared identity across all of our hospitals that stands for clinical excellence, trust, accessibility, and compassionate patient care.” Learn More About How We’re Advancing Care Across Our Communities.
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New Names, Renewed Commitment |
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We’re excited to share that St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is now Boston Medical Center – Brighton, and Good Samaritan Medical Center is now Boston Medical Center – South.
These changes reflect our shared commitment to you: expert care, compassionate providers, and advancing access and innovation across our communities. Together, we’re building a unified health system focused on what matters most: your health and your future.
“Our vision for a unified health system, rooted in expert care and access for our communities, is steadily taking shape,” said Alastair Bell, MD, MBA, President & CEO of BMC Health System. “We are creating a shared identity across all of our hospitals that stands for clinical excellence, trust, accessibility, and compassionate patient care.” Learn More About How We’re Advancing Care Across Our Communities. |
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Celebrating International Clinical Trials Day
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On May 20, BMC celebrated International Clinical Trials Day, which commemorates the start of the first known clinical trial in 1747 that led to a cure for scurvy. At BMC, our skilled clinical research staff support studies aimed at advancing treatments that transform lives. Thank you to all our patients who are interested in or have participated in clinical research. We cannot advance care and medicine without you. Explore our new Clinical Research Unit, a dedicated space designed to support groundbreaking studies. Learn More About Clinical Research At BMC.
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Celebrating International Clinical Trials Day |
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On May 20, BMC celebrated International Clinical Trials Day, which commemorates the start of the first known clinical trial in 1747 that led to a cure for scurvy. At BMC, our skilled clinical research staff support studies aimed at advancing treatments that transform lives. Thank you to all our patients who are interested in or have participated in clinical research. We cannot advance care and medicine without you. Explore our new Clinical Research Unit, a dedicated space designed to support groundbreaking studies. Learn More About Clinical Research At BMC.
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Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month Through Culture and Community
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May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich cultures, contributions, and experiences of AANHPI communities. At BMC, we proudly marked the occasion with events, celebrating food, storytelling, and shared heritage.
On May 14, Colleen Nguyen, executive director of Asian Women for Health (AWFH), joined us to speak about AWFH’s mission to advance health equity through education, advocacy, and support within Asian communities.
Then on May 20, staff gathered for “Quick N’ Tasty,” a 30-minute lunch-and-learn in our Teaching Kitchen. Guest chef Melissa Lee led a fun and flavorful demonstration on how to make inari sushi — a delicious reminder of how food can bring people together and spark cultural connection.
BMC is committed to inclusive, patient-centered care for all. That includes access to medical interpretation in more than 150 languages — offered in person, over the phone, and on video — so every patient receives the information and support they need in their preferred language. Learn More About BMC’s Medical Interpretation Services.
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Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month Through Culture and Community |
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May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich cultures, contributions, and experiences of AANHPI communities. At BMC, we proudly marked the occasion with events, celebrating food, storytelling, and shared heritage.
On May 14, Colleen Nguyen, executive director of Asian Women for Health (AWFH), joined us to speak about AWFH’s mission to advance health equity through education, advocacy, and support within Asian communities.
Then on May 20, staff gathered for “Quick N’ Tasty,” a 30-minute lunch-and-learn in our Teaching Kitchen. Guest chef Melissa Lee led a fun and flavorful demonstration on how to make inari sushi — a delicious reminder of how food can bring people together and spark cultural connection.
BMC is committed to inclusive, patient-centered care for all. That includes access to medical interpretation in more than 150 languages — offered in person, over the phone, and on video — so every patient receives the information and support they need in their preferred language. Learn More About BMC’s Medical Interpretation Services.
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Seasons: BMC Awards Raises $3M+ to Fuel Inclusive Care and Innovation
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On Saturday, May 10, BMC leaders, friends, and supporters gathered at Seasons: BMC Awards. Together, attendees raised more than $3 million to help ensure everyone in our city has the care and support they need to get healthy and stay well. Thank you to all who played a role in this special night, including BMC patient Dashawn Dowdy, who presented the Courageous Spirit Award to event hosts Devin and Jason McCourty in honor of their Aunt Winifred and her battle with sickle cell disease.
The generosity from our community powers inclusive research that leads to more effective treatments, efforts to reduce health inequities, innovative services for families, and much more. Explore Highlights From The Event Here.
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Seasons: BMC Awards Raises $3M+ to Fuel Inclusive Care and Innovation
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On Saturday, May 10, BMC leaders, friends, and supporters gathered at Seasons: BMC Awards. Together, attendees raised more than $3 million to help ensure everyone in our city has the care and support they need to get healthy and stay well. Thank you to all who played a role in this special night, including BMC patient Dashawn Dowdy, who presented the Courageous Spirit Award to event hosts Devin and Jason McCourty in honor of their Aunt Winifred and her battle with sickle cell disease.
The generosity from our community powers inclusive research that leads to more effective treatments, efforts to reduce health inequities, innovative services for families, and much more. Explore Highlights From The Event Here.
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BMC Joins the Celebration at Haitian Flag Day Festivities
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BMC was a proud sponsor of Boston’s Haitian Unity Parade, an annual event that takes place during the weekend-long Haitian Flag Day festivities.
This year’s parade from Mattapan Square to Harambee Park was filled with joy, music, food, and more! The event celebrated Haiti's independence and we helped empower our neighbors by providing resources that support all aspects of health.
Thank you to all who joined us in this celebration. See Highlights From The Festivities.
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BMC Joins the Celebration at Haitian Flag Day Festivities |
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BMC was a proud sponsor of Boston’s Haitian Unity Parade, an annual event that takes place during the weekend-long Haitian Flag Day festivities.
This year’s parade from Mattapan Square to Harambee Park was filled with joy, music, food, and more! The event celebrated Haiti's independence and we helped empower our neighbors by providing resources that support all aspects of health.
Thank you to all who joined us in this celebration. See Highlights From The Festivities.
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BMC Health System Honored With Three Sustainability Awards
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At Boston Medical Center Health System, we know that a healthy environment supports a healthy community. That’s why sustainability is built into how we care for our patients, neighborhoods, and future generations.
We’re proud to be recognized for our leadership in this work with three recent honors:
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Dr. Anna Goldman, BMC’s medical director of sustainability, received the Boston Climate Leader Award from the City of Boston. Dr. Goldman co-founded Clean Power Prescription, a first-in-the-nation program providing eligible local patients with solar energy credits. Under her guidance, BMC is also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare.
Our commitment to sustainability is another way we’re working to improve health outcomes and advance equity — today and for the future. Explore Our Innovative Sustainability Initiatives.
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BMC Health System Honored With Three Sustainability Awards
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At Boston Medical Center Health System, we know that a healthy environment supports a healthy community. That’s why sustainability is built into how we care for our patients, neighborhoods, and future generations.
We’re proud to be recognized for our leadership in this work with three recent honors:
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Dr. Anna Goldman, BMC’s medical director of sustainability, received the Boston Climate Leader Award from the City of Boston. Dr. Goldman co-founded Clean Power Prescription, a first-in-the-nation program providing eligible local patients with solar energy credits. Under her guidance, BMC is also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare.
Our commitment to sustainability is another way we’re working to improve health outcomes and advance equity — today and for the future. Explore Our Innovative Sustainability Initiatives. |
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BMC Named One of Becker’s “100 Academic Medical Centers to Know”
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We’re #BMCProud to be recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the nation’s top academic medical centers. This honor reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing research that addresses the real health challenges facing our communities. From equity-led clinical innovation to community-based solutions, we’re building a healthier future together. See The Full List From Becker’s Healthcare.
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BMC Named One of Becker’s “100 Academic Medical Centers to Know”
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We’re #BMCProud to be recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the nation’s top academic medical centers. This honor reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing research that addresses the real health challenges facing our communities. From equity-led clinical innovation to community-based solutions, we’re building a healthier future together. See The Full List From Becker’s Healthcare.
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Rita Tarabelli, NP, was outstanding! She was thoroughly prepared with my past history and was outstanding as an educator. Not only did she explain the stroke to me so that I could better understand what happened, she showed us a brain scan to illustrate it! I left the office feeling that I was in very good hands - and highly recommend her! |
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Rita Tarabelli, NP, was outstanding! She was thoroughly prepared with my past history and was outstanding as an educator. Not only did she explain the stroke to me so that I could better understand what happened, she showed us a brain scan to illustrate it! I left the office feeling that I was in very good hands - and highly recommend her! |
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“In Your Words” features patient comments from patient experience outreach surveys. We appreciate your time completing these surveys and for sharing your thoughts with us. The information gathered in these surveys is used to learn where we can improve, to continue to provide excellent care to all. |
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