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For our latest press releases, please visit our Covenant News & Announcements page. Contact us at 806.725.2525 if you’d like more information or would like to be added to our press release distribution list.

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November 2, 20102010 Physician Values in Action Award Recipients
Covenant Health System recently recognized five Covenant physicians for exhibiting dignity, excellence, justice and service in their profession.

October 22, 2010CMC Received 5-Star Rating from HealthGrades
Covenant Medical Center today announced that it has received a 5-Star rating for the quality of its treatment of Heart Failure, Stroke, Pneumonia, Sepsis and Respiratory Failure among others from HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization. Covenant received more 5-Star ratings than any other hospital in the region.

October 14, 2010Pack the Jones in Pink on October 16
Texas Tech fans are urged to trade red and black for pink when the Red Raiders square off against Oklahoma State University on Oct. 16 at Jones AT&T Stadium.

October 5, 2010Tips to Prepare for Flu Season
Flu season officially beings Oct. 1. Each year up to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu. Juan Fitz, assistant director of the emergency department at Covenant Medical Center, provides some basic information regarding flu and ways to avoid contracting the virus.

September 27, 2010Cholesterol Education Month
September is National Cholesterol Education month and Covenant Health System wants to help educate the community about cholesterol and the importance of maintaining a healthy level. Patty Freier, B.S.N., R.N., R.C.I.S., education nurse specialist and chest pain center coordinator for the Covenant Heart and Vascular Institute, discusses the basics about cholesterol and tips to prevent high levels.

September 14, 2010CHS Stroke Care Program Certified by Joint Commission
Covenant Health System (CHS) is the first in the region to earn the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers.  CHS earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in September.

September 13, 2010Tips for Preventing Child Obesity
It is estimated that 17 percent of children ages 2-19 are obese and 80 percent of overweight children are obese as adults. The number of people affected by obesity continues to rise and Covenant Health System would like to aid in combating this problem.

September 10, 2010Covenant Offers Advanced Treatment for Blood Clots
Covenant Health System is the only health system in the region now using isolated pharmacomechanical thrombolysis with Trellis® Peripheral Infusion System for rapid, safe and effective removal of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

September 3, 2010Tips on How to Survive the Fall Allergy Season
More than 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Symptoms include runny nose, itching eyes and ears, sore throat, post-nasal drip, sneezing, coughing, asthma symptoms, changes in your energy level, your mood and even your cognition. A seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction to a trigger that is typically only present for part of a year, such as spring, summer or fall. This type of allergy refers to a pollen allergy, such as trees, weeds and grasses. Goutam P. Shome, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P, an allergy, asthma and immunology specialist with Covenant Medical Group, shares more information and tips on how to combat your fall allergies.

August 25, 2010Who Might Benefit from Dietary Supplements
While parents recognize vitamins are important and essential for their children’s growth, many adults fail to recognize their need for a daily vitamin.

August 18, 20102010 Values in Action Recipients
Covenant Health System recognized four employees Wednesday afternoon for their contributions to the health care ministry and commitment to Covenant’s four core values of: dignity, excellence, service and justice.

August 9, 2010The Importance of Getting Enough Sleep
It seems in today’s society more and more people are living by the adage of “I’ll sleep when I die.” With so much to accomplish in a day, leaving time for a full night of sleep can often seem like an unreachable feat. Dr. Ahmad Sabouni, neurologist at Covenant Health System, explains why sleep is so important and offers a few guidelines to help you stay healthy and get the rest you need.

July 30, 2010The Side Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine has become an essential part of many people’s day. While generally everyone notices the energetic effect they receive from caffeine, few understand how it affects their body and what is considered a safe amount to consume. Amanda Hays, clinical dietitian at Covenant Health System, explains how caffeine affects your body.

July 8, 2010Tips on How to Handle Frequent and Extreme Headaches
Headaches are amongst the most common health complaints in our world today and affect millions of Americans each day. Juan Fitz, M.D., emergency medicine doctor at Covenant Medical Center, explains the different types of headaches and provides tips on how to handle frequent and extreme headaches.

July 2, 20104th of July Safety Tips
Every July 4, thousands of children and teens are injured using consumer fireworks. Approximately 12,000 people are treated for fireworks injuries each year. Covenant Health System would like to provide tips on how to be safe and prevent firework injuries this Fourth of July holiday.

June 28, 2010New Starlight Fun Center
Today, children undergoing treatment at Covenant Children’s Hospital will be smiling brighter. Through an ongoing partnership between Colgate-Palmolive Company and Starlight Children’s Foundation, and with the support of United Supermarkets, a new Starlight Fun Center™ was unveiled at the hospital for its pediatric patients.

June 23, 2010How to Make the Most Out of a Doctor Visit
Dr. Ray Smith from Covenant’s HealthPlus Clinic, offers tips on how you can make the most out of every doctor visit.

June 21, 2010Family Sleep Rooms


June 3, 2010CHS Receives 2010 Rose Award
Covenant Health System is the recipient of the 2010 Rose Award for Outstanding Total Recognition Strategy.

June 3, 2010Levelland Foundation Hosts Wine Tasting and Art Show
Covenant Foundation Levelland Hosts Wine Tasting and the Healing Arts art show on Friday night June 11, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at McPherson's Cellars - 1615 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX

May 25, 2010Heart Matters: Stroke 101
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and in an effort to educate the public Covenant Health System will host a free presentation called “Stroke 101,” on Friday, May 28 from 9 – 10 a.m.

May 22, 2010CHS Listed in 100 Best Places to Work
The 2010 list was determined through nominations and research. The 100 organizations selected demonstrated excellence in providing a work environment that promotes teamwork, professional development and quality patient care.

May 20, 2010Stroke Awareness
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and the staff at Covenant would like to help you take necessary steps toward stroke prevention.

May 18, 2010Food Allergy Awareness
With food allergies on the rise, especially in children, Covenant Health System would like to spread awareness about food allergies. Dr. Shome, an allergy, asthma and immunology specialist with Covenant Medical Group, provides tips on how to spot and deal with food allergies

May 6, 2010JACC Honored as Exemplary Site

The Covenant Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center was one of only two institutions in Texas honored as an exemplary site for breast cancer clinical trials by the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG).



April 30, 2010National Humor Month
Anyone interested in Laughter Yoga can call 806-725-0708 or visit www.laughteryoga.com for more information. The class is free and meets every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the Covenant Lifestyle Centre.

April 14, 2010Richard Parks as New President and CEO
The Covenant Health System board of directors is pleased to announce Richard Parks will become the new president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Covenant Health System.

April 1, 2010Girl Talk
Covenant Health System will host a free event called Girl Talk.

March 22, 2010Covenant Southwest Medical Park Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony
Covenant Health System will host a dedication ceremony and open house
to celebrate the grand opening of Covenant Southwest Medical Park.

March 19, 2010School of Surgical Technology Awarded for Zero Citations
Covenant School of Surgical Technology recently received an award for zero citations from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accredits more than 5,400 programs, and Covenant School of Surgical Technology was one of only 24 schools to receive this award.

March 11, 2010What You Need to Know About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is March 8-14.

March 8, 2010Region's First Cycle III Chest Pain Center
Covenant Medical Center has been officially designated as the region’s first accredited Cycle III Chest Pain Center with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).  There are 87 accredited chest pain centers in Texas but only 14 have been designated as Cycle III.

March 2, 2010Prehistoric Kids in the Kitchen Event
Covenant Health System and the Junior League of Lubbock will host the annual Kids in the Kitchen event Saturday, March 6 from 10 a.m. - noon at the Covenant Knipling Education Conference Center (21st Street and Louisville Avenue, sixth floor).

February 22, 2010Mended Little Hearts Support Group
Mended Little Hearts is a new support group for family members and caregivers of children affected with congenital and acquired cardiovascular disease. 

February 5, 2010Asthma Sufferers Needed for Clinical Study
Do you have a child or loved one that suffers from asthma?  If so, Dr. Goutam P. Shome, an allergy, asthma and immunology specialist with Covenant Medical Group, would like to invite them to participate in a free clinical study sponsored by Covenant Health System.

January 28, 2010Health Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors
Covenant Health System Physical Therapist Belinda Alexander works with breast cancer survivors on a regular basis. She has developed some tips to protect survivors from infections as they return to their daily routine.

January 20, 2010Covenant School of Radiography Accepting Applications
The Covenant School of Radiography is accepting applications for the next class.

January 19, 2010Free Seminar on Heart Disease and Symptoms
Covenant Health System will get to the heart of the matter in a free seminar focusing on heart disease and heart attack symptoms.

December 21, 2009Raising Awareness and Fight Child Abuse

Covenant Health System and Kohl’s are partnering together to raise awareness and fight child abuse through a program called Kohl’s Safety Scene.



December 12, 2009New Surgical ICU Open House and Dedication Ceremony

Covenant Health System hosted a dedication ceremony and open house Thursday afternoon for the newly remodeled Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU).



December 7, 2009New Mexico Family to Donate New Toys to CWC
For the eighth year in a row, the Callaway family from Dexter, NM will deliver thousands of dollars in new toys to Covenant Women’s and Children’s.

November 30, 2009Hospice of Lubbock - Light Up A Life
Hospice of Lubbock’s annual Light Up A Life Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the corner of 19th  Street and University Avenue.

November 24, 2009Healthy Thanksgiving Day Tips

Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching and homes everywhere are going to be filled with the sweet aroma of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.  Mouths will start watering and the calories will begin adding up.  But there are some simple solutions to not let the feast get the best of you this year.



November 12, 2009New Covenant Hospital Plainview CEO
Covenant Health System and the Covenant Hospital Plainview Board of Directors are pleased to announce Alan King will become the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Covenant Hospital Plainview effective Nov. 23

October 30, 2009Covenant Health System Receives H1N1 Vaccine
Covenant Health System has received more doses of the H1N1 vaccine from the State of Texas.

October 20, 2009Endowed Chair in Cerebrovascular Disease
(LUBBOCK) – Covenant Health System (CHS) announced today the establishment of the Covenant Health System Endowed Chair in Cerebrovascular Disease in partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine.

October 19, 2009CHS Recieves Grant from LEDA
Covenant was recognized today by Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) with a grant which will bring new jobs to Lubbock and important new services to our community. 

October 7, 2009H1N1 Flu VS Common Cold
In light of the concern over the H1N1 flu, it would be beneficial to know the differences between the flu and a cold.

October 7, 2009Pinktober - Breast Cancer Awareness
This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Covenant Women’s & Children’s is making a concerted effort to raise awareness.

October 1, 2009Reduction of 48 Positions
Covenant Health System announced the final stage of its workforce reduction efforts with 48 positions eliminated across the system, officials announced today. More than 80 percent of the positions are management, administrative and support.

September 25, 2009Final Details of Voluntary Separation Incentive Program

(LUBBOCK) - Covenant Health System announced the final details of its voluntary separation incentive program today. Of the 149 employees who expressed interest in the program, 96 employees received individual notification that their resignations were accepted by the health system.



September 25, 2009Pack the Jones In Pink

(LUBBOCK) – Texas Tech fans are urged to trade red and black for pink when the Red Raiders square off against on Oct. 3 at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Covenant Health System, in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Texas Tech University, hope game attendees will Pack the Jones In Pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month. 



September 16, 2009Houser as Interim President and CEO
Covenant Health System Board of Directors announced Jim Houser will serve as the organization’s interim president and chief executive officer effective immediately. 

June 30, 2009First Epilepsy Monitoring Unit in Region

LUBBOCK - Covenant Health System and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center collaborated to open the region’s first epilepsy monitoring unit today, bringing specialized neurological care through monitoring and effective surgical treatments. Made possible by the Crofoot Family Endowment in Epilepsy at TTUHSC, the unit is appropriately named “The Jay and Virginia Crofoot Epilepsy Monitoring Unit,” and is located at Covenant Medical Center 19th Street Campus.



March 29, 2009Covenant to Open Region's First Hospital for Women and Children

LUBBOCK—Covenant Health System announced today the repurposing of the Lakeside campus to Covenant Women’s & Children’s, the region’s first hospital dedicated to the health care needs of women and children.



January 31, 2009CMC and CCH Receives Level II Trauma Verification

LUBBOCK --The Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified the trauma centers at Covenant Medical Center and Covenant Children’s Hospital as Level II Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, respectively.



January 14, 2009Look Good Feel Good Event Approaches

Joe Arrington Cancer Center will host the fourth annual Look Good Feel Good Symposium Saturday, Feb. 14.



January 12, 2009The Importance of Cleaning Out Your Medicine Cabinet
Covenant Health System Pharmacist Explains Importance of Cleaning Out Your Medicine Cabinet

January 9, 2009Covenant Receives Recognition for Community Partnerships
The Texas Association of Partners in Education (TAPE) awarded Covenant Health System with it's prestigious 2009 TAPE GOLD AWARD in the category of Community Partnerships - Health.

January 6, 2009Covenant Employees Pledged more than $1 Million in Donations
Covenant Health System employees continue to be one of the most generous and caring groups in West Texas. Each year their employees go above and beyond with their donations to the United Way, Covenant Cares and Covenant Compassion.

November 11, 2008Covenant Recognized for Organ Donation

Lubbock -- Covenant Health System received the medal of achievement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for increasing organ donation rates.



October 27, 2008CHS Ranked One of the Best Places to Work

Covenant Health System was recently recognized on a national level as an outstanding employer in the health care industry. Announced on Monday, Oct. 27, Covenant is ranked No. 21 by “Modern Healthcare” as one of the best places to work in health care.



October 27, 2008CHS Redesigns Healthcare Delivery

Covenant will refocus resources to better support the community by accommodating the growing demand for additional inpatient beds; continuing to strengthen outcomes through intense focus on national best practices in clinical quality and patient safety; expanding the emergency department services into southwest Lubbock; focusing on service and compassionate care to patients and their families; and streamlining accountability, responsibility, and decision making.



October 27, 2008Official Response from CHS to Media

In October 2003, Covenant Health System Board of Directors passed a resolution that disqualifies from physician membership on the medical staff of Covenant Health System if the physician has any interest, direct or indirect as defined by Stark laws, in a hospital within 25 mile radius of Covenant Health System facilities. A “competing” hospital is broadly defined and may include, but is not limited to, full service hospitals, long-tern acute care hospitals, or specialty boutique hospitals. This resolution is crucial in maintaining the fiscal integrity of Covenant Health System, and providing the best care for our patients.



September 10, 2008Covenant - Best Place to Work in Healthcare

Covenant Health System will be recognized in the October 27, 2008 edition of Modern Healthcare, and on the Modern Healthcare web site,



July 17, 2008Covenant Announces Plans for ER at 98th and Slide

LUBBOCK – Covenant Health System announced today it will build a 15,000 square-foot emergency department and fast-track urgent care center for minor emergencies as phase two of the Covenant SouthWest Medical Park development at 98th Street and Slide Road. The new Covenant ED is set to open in late 2009 as a 14-bay, full-service emergency department, and will act as an extension of the department at Covenant Medical Center. Emergency services will include both adult and pediatric care, in addition to the fast-track urgent care center.



July 11, 2008Congratulations, Dr. Tiva!
Thivakorn Kasemsri, M.D., F.A.A.P., pediatric intensivist at Covenant Children's Hospital, recently authored a chapter titled, "Modern Organization of Pediatric Cardiac ICU and Quality of Congenital Cardiac Programme" in the forthcoming Textbook of Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care, which will be the first of it's kind to be published in Thailand.

June 10, 2008Endowment Partnership with TTUHSC School of Nursing

LUBBOCK – Covenant Health System announced today the establishment of the Covenant Health System Endowed Chair in Simulation and Nursing Education in partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. The endowed chair will provide innovative educational experiences in order to prepare Covenant students and nurses to provide safe, quality patient care in a world of expanding knowledge and rapid change.



May 22, 20082008 VIA Recepients Announced

Covenant Health System, announces the eight recipients of the values in Action award.

 



May 2, 2008Covenant Recognized as Hospital of Choice

Covenant Medical Center received Honorable Mention for the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers' 2007-2008 Hospital of Choice Award. The award recognizes America's most customer-friendly hospitals.

 



May 1, 2008Dr. Shome to Speak in National Conference

Dr. Shome has been invited by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) to lead a discussion on stress and asthma in March,2008 annual meeting at Philadelphia.



April 22, 2008Children’s Hospital Receives PRC Award

LUBBOCK - Covenant Children’s Hospital received Professional Research Consultants 2008 Medical Staff Perception Awards. The awards, which are given based on local physicians' ratings of Covenant, represent excellence in certain areas.



April 22, 2008Diabetes Education Center Received Award

The City Wide Pride Committee of Lubbock came by the diabetes outpatient center last Thursday and presented the City Wide Pride Certificate to Covenant Center for Outpatient Diabetes Education. Pride Awards are given to 3 outstanding businesses and churches every week .



April 11, 2008ACEP Recognized Juan F. Fitz, MD

Washington, D.C. — The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) today announced it has recognized Juan F. Fitz, MD, FACEP, assistant director of the emergency department at Covenant Medical Center, Lubbock, as a “Hero of Emergency Medicine.” The campaign, which is part of ACEP’s 40th anniversary, recognizes emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine, their communities and their patients.



April 10, 2008Covenant Honored by Workforce of the South Plains

Covenant Health System was honored yesterday by the Workforce of the South Plains with the Current Workforce Award. The award honors an employer whose efforts and initiatives had a positive effect on current workers, resulting in benefits to employers and the community.



April 10, 2008School of Nursing Celebrating 90th Anniversary

There is a GREAT story in today's Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (cover, section B) with historical photos, interviews with former students and current students.



March 19, 2008Free Community Health Screening - March 29th

LUBBOCK — Covenant Health System is hosting a free community health screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 29 at The Bridge of Lubbock located at 1301 Redbud Avenue. Those who attend will be able to take part in a variety of screenings that help ensure good health.



March 17, 2008Renowned Heart Surgeon to Speak at 5th Annual DeBakey Symposium

LUBBOCK - Covenant Health System is pleased welcome internationally renowned heart surgeon Edward B. Diethrich, M.D., to present "The Influence of the DeBakey Era on the Future of Cardiac Care" at the fifth annual Covenant Heart Institute Michael E. DeBakey Distinguished Lectureship Series March 28, 11:45 a.m., at the Knipling Education Conference Center, 21st St. and Louisville Ave., sixth floor, west parking garage.



February 26, 2008Announcement - President/CEO of CMG
On behalf of Covenant Health System and Covenant Medical Group, we are pleased to announce Steven R. McCamy, as the new President and CEO of Covenant Medical Group.

January 29, 2008Covenant Job Fair - 2008
Please join us on February 16th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Knipling Education Conference Center. We will have a drawing for a GPS locator (valued at $200)!

January 24, 2008Covenant Receives Outstanding Honors
Covenant Health System has received the Gold Award for Best Branding Large Hospital for the "First Things First: Covenant's Guide to Pediatric Emergencies" campaign from HealthLeaders Media. CHS also received the Silver Award for Best Direct to Consumer Campaign for the "March of Dimes WalkAmerica" campaign.

December 26, 2007CHS Vice President of Mission Integration

On behalf of St. Joseph Health System and Covenant Health System, we are pleased to announce Clarke E. Cochran, PhD, as the new Vice President of Mission Integration of CHS. Clarke will begin at Covenant on or before February 4, 2008.



December 5, 2007Covenant to partner with the Larry King Cardiac Foundation at the Isom Heart Center

LUBBOCK - A newly formed partnership between Covenant Health System and the Larry King Cardiac Foundation will continue to bring excellent pediatric heart care to our patients in .  To celebrate the occasion, Larry King will headline a dinner honoring O. Wayne Isom, M.D., Idalou native and renowned heart surgeon, on Saturday, Dec. 8.



November 19, 2007School of Surgical Technology is Now Accredited
Covenant School of Surgical Technology is pleased to announce that we have been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Accreditation Review Committee in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST). Graduates are now eligible to sit for the National Certifying Exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.


October 22, 2007Covenant Hospital in Plainview Needs Help to Win MRI

Plainview, TX — Covenant could be the big winner in an MRI system give-away sponsored by Siemens Medical Solutions. Siemens is giving away its newest MRI system to a deserving hospital that secures the most votes for a video posted to www.winanmri.com . Staff at Covenant Hospital in Plainview have submitted a video showcasing why it deserves to win.



September 12, 2007Cardiac Screening Bus
Covenant Heart and Vascular Institute and Well Heart Services are proud to announce the arrival of our new cardiac screening bus and the introduction of the most advanced screening in the nation!

September 12, 2007Free Health Screenings - September 2007

Join us for the Covenant Community Health Screening! It will be held on Saturday, September 15th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vandelia Church of Christ (2002 60th Street). Covenant will provide dozens of free screenings to members of our community.



August 24, 2007Free Injury Clinic for Student Athletes
Covenant Sports Medicine will offer an injury clinic for student athletes every Saturday beginning Aug. 25 through Nov. 17. A Covenant orthopedic surgeon and family medicine physician will conduct all exams at no charge. Charges may be incurred for X-rays and will be billed to the patient's insurance or school insurance.

August 7, 2007Covenant Health System Names Dr. Scott Robins as New Chief Medical Officer

After a year long, nation-wide search, Covenant Health System is pleased to announce Scott Robins, M.D., as chief medical officer for Covenant Health System, effective August 2007. He has practiced medicine in Lubbock since 1981, and has served in numerous leadership roles at Covenant throughout the years, most recently as Chief Medical Officer of Covenant for Covenant Specialty Hospital and Interim Chief Medical Officer of Covenant Medical Group.



July 26, 2007ANNOUNCEMENT of President of Lubbock Hospitals and COO of Covenant Health System

Covenant Health System and Melinda Clark, President and CEO, are pleased to announce Brett Esrock as the new President of Lubbock Hospitals and Chief Operating Officer of CHS.



June 20, 2007Covenant Health System Board Announces new CEO

Covenant Health System board of directors announced today that Melinda Clark has been selected president and chief executive officer of Covenant Health System.



January 26, 2007Chamber Employer Health Plan Wins Award

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce this week received top honors in a statewide Chamber of Commerce competition held by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE).



January 26, 2007SJHS Ranked in Top 100 for Technology

For the fourth consecutive year, St Joseph Health System has been ranked in the Top 100 of the Information Week 500.



April 10, 2006Colon Cancer Facts and Figures

Behind deaths due to complications from smoking, colon cancer is the most preventable type of cancer in the United States.



June 27, 2005Aphasia and Its Effects on Communication

According to the National Aphasia Association it is estimated that approximately 1 million people in the United States currently have aphasia, a language disorder resulting from damage to portions of the brain that control language.