Advocacy Avengers Assemble - FAST!!!

Guest Blogger: Marc Watterson, Utah Government Relations Director

Each May we have an opportunity to celebrate and educate on an issue that is close to all of us – stroke. As we have shared in the past, Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Utah – and it doesn’t have to be. With your support we have improved the systems of care in Utah for how stroke patients are treated in our local hospitals. The success stories that we have heard are remarkable and it is all thanks to you!

Many more people in Utah are recognizing stroke symptoms in the community because of FAST. Can you name the stroke warning signs?

• Face droopiness, numbness and weakness
• Arm numbness and weakness
• Slurred speech or trouble speaking or understanding
• Time to call 911 if these or other symptoms occur

More and more Utahns are becoming aware of these signs and acting accordingly when they see them in themselves or others. But more can be done. Nationally, nearly one-third of all Americans still don’t know the signs of a stroke.

Building on the success of our past stroke awareness initiatives, we’re continuing our efforts to educate the public on FAST signs – and have a little fun –  by joining the University of Utah Health Care in a new “Together to End Stroke” community education program. 

We are hosting several events in Salt Lake this month in hopes of creating “Stroke Heroes” among us!

• Stroke heroes know what the acronym F.A.S.T. means and can recognize a stroke and act quickly by calling 9-1-1.
• During a stroke emergency, stroke heroes are the ones who may help make the difference between life and death or full recovery and permanent disability.
• They're the heroes we all want to be, proudly saving lives and quality of life. They're the heroes we want all around us, ever ready to help if we need them.
• This American Stroke Month, we're inviting ordinary people of all ages and backgrounds to become stroke heroes.

Stay tuned for future details! If you would like more information on these events or would like to help volunteer as a Stroke Hero please contact Erica Olson with the AHA|ASA at [email protected]. 

Together, with your help, WE ARE THE CURE for cardiovascular disease and stroke!