November 13, 2009

Covenant Health System Endows Chair for Stroke Research

Creating a new partnership for stroke research on the South Plains, Covenant Health System announced a $1 million gift on Oct. 20 to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, establishing the Covenant Health System Endowed Chair in Cerebrovascular Disease.

The endowed chair will provide education and training for Covenant Health System employees and fund stroke and neuroligical science research. Dr. Jongyeol Kim, an associate professor in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Department of Neurology was named to the new position.

“After reviewing needs studies and receiving input from the medical staff, Covenant began building an important partnership with the TTUHSC School of Medicine,” said Jim Houser, interim president and CEO of Covenant Health System. “Covenant is committed to meet this important need, which will enhance care for stroke patients.”

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., killing more than 143,000 Americans each year.