You could say Kelli Peo Johnson is a bit of a brainless person. As the stroke program coordinator at Indiana University Arnett Medical Hospital, she has dedicated her career to brain care, and she was able to learn a lot of facts about it.
Like this: 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. When it comes to saving those cells, every second counts — and that’s why the care teams at IU Health Arnett Hospital work at lightning speed to administer Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA). ) for patients with stroke-like symptoms.
tPA is given to the patient through an IV in the arm, and it works by dissolving blood clots that interfere with blood flow to the brain. When administered rapidly after stroke onset (within three hours, as approved by the FDA), tPA helps restore blood flow to areas of the brain affected by stroke, limiting the risk of damage and functional decline.
In recognition of caregivers’ rapid response to this life-saving drug, Johnson administers the “Brain Pinning Program” at IU Health Arnett, Frankfort and White Memorial hospitals.
“Part of stroke care,” says Johnson, “is that we want patients to be treated as soon as possible. So if they provide tPA in 45 minutes or less, team members will receive a copper brain pin to show on their IU Health badge. If they give it in half an hour or less, they will get a golden brain. ”
There is also a third prize, a helicopter pad, which is awarded when a patient is transported to the IU Health Methodist Hospital stroke center in 90 minutes or less.
“The pins have become a badge of honor for those who work on the stroke floor,” says Johnson.
In 2021, more than 120 team members received the award. IU Health hospitals in the West Central region are on track to surpass that number by 2022, with 85 hospitals allocated this summer.
These pins are philanthropically sponsored and made by donors from the IU Health Foundation, who gave to the Arnett Area of Greatest Need Fund.
You can ensure that even more carers can join this elite and honored group by donating to the Most Needed Area Fund at IU Health Arnett here or by contacting the Director of Charity by IU Health Foundation Julie Paolillo, CFRE, at 765,429.7525.
