Attn: Health & medicine writers, City Desk Editors, et.al.

CDC and CMS have combined their resources to produce county-level statistics for stroke hospitalizations for blacks, Hispanics and whites who are age 65 and older.

Data for hospitals in each of the country’s 3,151 counties is accessed by clicking on a state (or drop-down menu of the states) that appears in an interactive map of the U.S., then clicking on the desired counties.

This is an opportunity to remind readers and viewers that stroke is the third-leading cause of death for men and women, and a major cause of serious, long-term disability.

Closer to home, the database shows which (if any) hospitals in your county provide emergency room services and/or treatment for stroke.

The CMS data show that approximately 21% of U.S. counties do not have a hospital that’s equipped for stroke treatment, 31% do not have hospitals that can provide emergency room treatment for stroke victims, and 77% counties do not have a hospital that provides neurology services.

NOTE: The CDC press release cited here is among more than 100 press releases from government agencies, congressional offices and advocacy groups which are featured in today’s edition of Government Policy Newslinks. Sign-up today for a no-obligation trial subscription.