Team Member Spotlight: Christine Humason, BS, RN/EMT-P Nursing Supervisor

As the Stroke Program Coordinator at Baystate Noble Hospital (BNH), Christine (Chrissy) has led a groundbreaking, grant-funded community stroke education initiative across Hampden and Hampshire Counties—targeting rural areas where access to resources is limited and the need for public health education is high. Through a partnership with Borderland Partners LLC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Chrissy helped design and execute a community outreach effort that has already reached over 1,500 participants and covered nearly 300 square miles.

Together with Emergency Department Educator Tami Wescott, Chrissy delivered interactive education sessions and health outreach at farmers markets, senior centers, soup kitchens, assisted living facilities, and town events such as the Southwick Rotary Club Concert Series and the Westfield Farmers Market. Chrissy not only works as a nurse and Stroke Program Coordinator at BNH, but she is also an active Westfield firefighter. With this, Chrissy brought a unique perspective and credibility to her outreach—bridging clinical expertise with firsthand emergency response experience. Their work extended into multiple towns, including Otis, Russell, Huntington, Southampton, and Westfield—building trust with community members and creating vital connections with local fire departments and EMS personnel who saw her not just as a nurse, but as one of their own.

Chrissy Humason is an excellent emerging leader in healthcare: innovative, empathetic, collaborative, and committed to closing gaps in care through education and outreach. Her work has left a meaningful imprint on the communities served by Baystate Noble and offers a model for how localized, person-centered health education can save lives.

First of all, what is a stroke?

Chrissy: A stroke is a medical emergency where every second counts, and immediate medical attention is crucial in preventing permanent damage or possibly death. A stroke occurs when the blood flows to an area of the brain is cut off. This can happen in two main ways. The most common type of stroke, called an ischemic stroke, occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced within the blood vessel. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. The other type is a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. The blood increases the pressure on the brain cells and damages them.

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death, and being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial. The acronym “BE-FAST” is a simple way to help to recognize the main symptoms of a stroke. B-Balance: The sudden loss of balance, or sudden trouble walking. E-Eyes: Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes. F-Face: One side of the face droops or suddenly becomes numb (ask the person to smile). A-Arm: One arm is weak or numb; Ask the person to raise both arms, does one arm drift downward? S-Speech: Is the speech slurred, unable to speak, or hard to understand when speaking. T-Time: Time to call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately. Don’t allow them to drive themselves.

Remember that with strokes, every second counts. The goal is to minimize any possible long-term effects, whereas the sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the outcome. After a stroke the goal is to get them home with the proper follow-up care and resources, where some may need further rehab, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. No stroke is the same, no patient is the same. All of the care is very patient specific, looking at their individual needs.

What are the risk factors for stroke?

Chrissy: There are several risk factors for strokes, some that can be controlled and some that cannot. Lifestyle risk factors include being overweight, physically inactive, heavy or binge drinking, and use of illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Medical risk factors to try to keep under control are high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, and smoking.

Risk factors that are uncontrollable is age, where people over 55 have a higher risk, race, sex (men have statistically higher rate than women), and family history of strokes. Lifestyle changes and managing existing medical conditions can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

What to do if you think you or someone you love is having a stroke?

Chrissy: If you ever suspect someone is having a stroke, immediately placing the call to 911 is crucial. Quick action can potentially help save someone’s life and reduce the risk of long-term disability. Beneficial information to put together for EMS and hospital staff is noting what symptoms the patient is experiencing and what time they began. Also known as “their last known well time” will be crucial information for EMS and hospital staff. Have together a list of the patient’s medications and medical history to give to EMS and hospital staff as well.

What is your advice for preventing strokes?

Chrissy: Preventing strokes starts with making healthy lifestyle choices and managing any health conditions that you may have. Working on things like lowering your blood pressure, maintaining healthy weight and lowering your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet. Staying physically active and exercising regularly is one of the most important things you can do for your health.