10/27/2026
Ocean County is officially “Stroke Smart”! The Ocean County Board of Commissioners issued the proclamation recognizing Ocean County as a “Stroke Smart County” at their October 21 meeting, with proud Community Medical Center (CMC) team members in attendance.
The initiative is supported by the New Jersey Stroke Coordinators Consortium (NJSCC), and emphasizes the importance of community education, such as recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke using BE FAST, and immediately calling 911 when a stroke is suspected. Amanda Leibowitz, MSN, AGPCNP, SCRN, Neuroscience Nurse Practitioner, CMC, is the current recording secretary and 2027 President Elect of NJSCC.
CMC and NJSCC representatives were proud to be in attendance, and continue to share a commitment to stroke awareness, early intervention, and improving patient outcomes throughout the state. This proclamation is another meaningful step toward making New Jersey a Stroke Smart state, one county at a time!
Pictured, from left to right: Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, Ocean County Board of Commissioners; Commissioner Ray Gormley, Ocean County Board of Commissioners; Lindsey Casole, MSN, RN, SCRN, Director, Neuroscience Services, CMC; Joseph Cavanaugh, PharmD, MBA, CSBI, Vice President, Clinical Operations, CMC; Morgan Sypniewski, BSN, RN, EMT, Stroke Program Coordinator & EMS Liaison, CMC; Amanda Leibowitz, MSN, AGPCNP, SCRN, Neuroscience Nurse Practitioner, CMC; Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, Deputy Director, Ocean County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Joseph Bibawy, Neurosurgeon, CMC; Dr. Merritt Brown, Stroke & Endovascular Medical Director, CMC; Commissioner Robert S. Arace, Ocean County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, Director, Ocean County Board of Commissioners.
During its Oct. 21 meeting, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners was joined by members of Community Medical Center to proclaim Ocean County a Stroke Smart County in support of the “Stroke Smart: Spot-a-Stroke, Stop-a-Stroke, Save-a-Life” campaign.
The initiative raises awareness of stroke warning signs and emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms and calling 911 immediately. Early recognition and rapid emergency care can help save lives and improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Ocean County remains committed to promoting public education, raising community awareness and fostering collaboration to help protect the health and well-being of our residents.
Director Frank Sadeghi | Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione | Commissioner Robert Arace | Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen | Commissioner Ray Gormley