USA Health mourns passing of comprehensive stroke director Shelia Ross, D.N.P.
“Shelia was the kind of person who cared deeply for her family, her work family and even people she hadn’t met yet,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE.
By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu
An outspoken advocate for patients and the education needed to help save more lives, Shelia Yvonne Ross, D.N.P., lost her battle with cancer on Sept. 13 surrounded by family and those she loved.
A memorial fund has been created for the beloved USA Health employee who made it her life’s work to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes following a stroke.
“Shelia was the kind of person who cared deeply for her family, her work family and even people she hadn’t met yet,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, USA Health chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “She was extremely passionate about sharing information in the community to help people learn the signs of stroke and what to do if they suspected someone was suffering from the debilitating condition. She will be dearly missed.”
For nearly 25 years, Ross worked tirelessly in brain and stroke care, strengthening the programs in area hospitals to ensure the most up-to-date and evidence-based protocols were being followed. She joined USA Health in 2016, where she most recently served as the comprehensive stroke program's director. During her tenure, USA Health University Hospital was recognized annually with national awards and achievements related to the stroke program she helped build and grow.
When she wasn’t actively assisting in patient care during stroke codes in the emergency department, Ross spent time educating the public about how to recognize the signs of stroke. She was a regular on TV news shows and met with groups throughout the region to share life-saving education.
Last fall, she brought a giant inflatable brain to the tailgating area outside Hancock Whitney Stadium at the University of South Alabama before a football game where she and other colleagues spent hours showing people what happens when someone has a stroke. They took dozens of photos that showed how much fun she had educating the community.
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Ross’ motivation for the community outreach was simple. Early stroke detection and treatment are the keys to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.
“If we can touch one person in a group of 50,” Ross said in an interview a few years ago, “it’s worth it to me.”
Since her passing on Sept. 13, friends and colleagues from across the U.S. and beyond have shared stories on social media about Ross and her passionate spirit.
This one is from Kayla Campbell Bishop: “To know her was to love her. Shelia Ross was the most vibrant, passionate, and loving person. She transformed USA Health’s stroke program, impacting thousands of lives. She raised the ER nurses to be so well equipped in the care for stroke patients. She was the loudest patient advocate. She was the hardest worker. She was the strongest woman, a fighter, an educator, a mentor. She cared so much! Oh, she was so loved!! The world is a darker place without Sheila today.”
Donations may be made to the Shelia Ross Memorial Fund online or by mail to the Stroke Program at USA Health University Hospital, c/o Office of USA Health Development, 650 Clinic Drive, TRP III, Suite 1500, Mobile, AL 36608.
