Citizens Stroke Support Group Recognized by Texas Neurological Society
The Mind Over Matter Stroke Support Group, a collaborative initiative between Citizens Medical Center and UTHealth Houston, has been featured in the January 2026 edition of Broca’s Area, by the Texas Neurological Society. The article, titled “Outcomes from a Stroke Support Group in an Area Underserved by Neurology in Texas,” highlights the role of the group in supporting stroke survivors and caregivers in the Golden Crescent region.
Founded in 2022, the Mind Over Matter Stroke Support Group was created to address the unique challenges faced by stroke survivors and their caregivers following life-altering events. The group meets monthly and provides education, peer support, and access to medical experts and community resources, helping participants navigate recovery, lifestyle changes, and emotional well-being.
“The support group was created because we saw a real need to reach stroke survivors and their caregivers beyond the hospital setting,” said Cristy Autry, RN, BSN, Stroke Program Coordinator at Citizens Medical Center and a founding member of the group. “After a stroke, people are learning to live with new limitations, medications, appointments, and lifestyle changes, and caregivers are often carrying just as much of that burden. This group gives them a place to learn, connect, and realize they are not alone.”
The Texas Neurological Society article evaluated participant perceptions of the support group as well as community-level indicators related to stroke recognition and emergency response. While measurable clinical outcomes remained stable, participants consistently described the group as supportive, educational, interactive, and empowering, reinforcing the importance of stroke support groups in communities underserved by neurology.
Pamela Davis-Hughes, a stroke survivor who attends the support group regularly with her daughter, shared how the group has supported her recovery.
"It has helped me understand so much about our bodies and what we are experiencing at the time of a stroke, TIA or heart attack. I have learned how to eat properly, how to look for signs of heart problems and signs of stroke, and how exercise is important in my recovery. I've enjoyed the suppers and discussions together and the priceless information I have received."
“We are proud to see the work of our stroke support group recognized by The Texas Neurological Society,” Autry said. “It speaks to the value of collaboration, education, and consistent engagement with survivors and caregivers as they continue their recovery journey.”
The Teleneurology team at UTHealth Houston plays an active role in the group’s success. Dr. Amanda Jagolino-Cole, Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, vascular neurologist, and Director of Teleneurology, along with Antoine Gray, Program Manager, regularly attend support group meetings in person, traveling from Houston to Victoria to provide education, answer questions, and engage directly with stroke survivors and caregivers.
In addition to the most recent article, Citizens Medical Center has collaborated with UTHealth Houston Teleneurology Program and the Victoria Fire Department on related stroke education and community engagement research. That work, titled “Curriculum Innovation: Training the Front Line: A Neurologic Emergencies Curriculum Pilot for First Responders”, was published in Broca’s Area in early 2025 and later in Neurology: Education in November 2025. The project was also accepted as a poster presentation at a Houston-based symposium and at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) National Conference in San Diego in April 2025, further highlighting the strength of these multidisciplinary partnerships.
Citizens Medical Center is a nationally recognized leader in stroke care, serving a seven-county region of more than 300,000 residents across the Golden Crescent. Through its partnership with UTHealth Houston Teleneurology Program, the hospital ensures access to board-certified neurologists and state-of-the-art stroke treatment. Citizens Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the American Heart Association and the Texas Department of State Health Services and is DNV-certified as a Primary Stroke Center.
The Mind Over Matter Stroke Support Group continues to support Citizens Medical Center’s commitment to stroke education and recovery by providing guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community for stroke survivors and caregivers across the region.
For more information about the Mind Over Matter Stroke Support Group, please contact Cristy Autry at cautry@cmcvtx.org or visit citizensmedicalcenter.org.