Time Critical Diagnosis Task Force Convenes in Jeff...( The state's most highly-respected min...),Health

The state's most highly-respected minds in medicine and emergency care come

together to improve Missouri's emergency response systems

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Missouri's Time Critical Diagnosis Task Force will meet Tuesday, January 15, 2008, to compile recommendations for the improvement of emergency care, with the goal of lowering the mortality and morbidity associated with stroke and ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).

Created by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in collaboration with the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH), the Task Force is a gathering of more than 100 experts in the emergency care industry.

"This Task Force is a unique convergence of different fields and expertise, and we all share a responsibility to provide for Missouri citizens and their health needs," said DHSS Director Jane Drummond. "And that is our ultimate task -- getting our trauma, stroke, and STEMI patients the right care, in the right place, in the right amount of time."

While Missouri's heart disease and stroke death rates are declining, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the state. Stroke ranks third.

"In areas where stroke systems have been implemented -- including at least one community in Missouri -- mortality and morbidity rates have decreased," said Dr. J. William "Bill" Jermyn, Director of Emergency Medical Services for DHSS. "Evolving the system of care can significantly improve health outcomes for Missourians who suffer from stroke or STEMI."

The Task Force will meet four times to analyze current heart disease and stroke care in the state and across the nation in order to develop a strategy and operational structure of a Time Critical Diagnosis System.

The day-long meeting will include presentations from six leading medical experts in the state, including:

-- Sherri Homan, RN, PhD, Chronic Disease Epidemiologist, DHSS
'/>"/>