As a follow-up to an earlier post about healthy communications, we would like to highlight an exciting event for Missourians and for the health care field.

On May 16, 2008, in the closing hours of the Missouri State legislative session, lawmakers came together to pass House Bill 1790. The ground-breaking legislation creates a statewide “Time Critical Diagnosis System” for stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a particularly fatal type of heart attack. Missouri is the first state in the nation to legislatively create a STEMI and a stroke statewide system of care. The passage of HB 1790 represents the culmination of more than five years of work from hundreds of dedicated professionals, under the passionate and motivating leadership of Dr. J. William “Bill” Jermyn.

Dr. Bill Jermyn passed away on May 15, 2008, the day before his unwavering dedication came to fruition in the passage of House Bill 1790. Dr. Jermyn was a teacher, an inspiration and a friend to many. His legacy is the Time Critical Diagnosis System, and Missouri will benefit from his passion and conviction. His leadership and vision will continue to guide this process.

TVG is proud to have worked with Dr. Jermyn and to be a part of the move toward quicker treatment of loved ones having severe strokes or heart attacks.