World Stroke Day 2021 - Minutes can save lives

03 Jun 2021 World Stroke Day

When it comes to stroke, every minute matters. With the global lifetime risk of stroke standing at 1 in 4, it is clear that wide public awareness of symptoms is critical to the effort to save 5.5 million lives and improve outcomes for the 9 million people who survive stroke each year.

World Stroke Day on October 29^th 2021 and 2022 will focus on improving awareness of stroke symptoms with an emotional campaign that aims to highlight what can be saved if we all know the signs of stroke and call for an ambulance immediately.

Studies have shown the impact of FAST campaigns on reducing the time from stroke to treatment as well as the need for continuous reminders in order to maintain retention of the three key signs. Delivery of game-changing stroke treatments, the benefits of thrombolysis and thrombectomy are highest if administered within a relatively short period of time and even in settings where these treatments are not available, the application of specific assessment and treatment protocols, for example swallowing checks that reduce risks of pneumonia and malnutrition, mobility assessments and access to rehabilitation can all make a difference to survival and quality of life.

World Stroke Day will focus on what can be saved by acting FAST with a combination of emotive materials and online image frames that can be used by stroke clinicians, survivors, families and friends to share their stories that highlight the importance of timely treatment.

In addition to the member toolkit and social media campaign the Campaign will also feature:

High level online interactive panel event
Social media influencer engagement
Campaign skills bootcamp webinar series
Public information leaflets about stroke symptoms and acute treatments
Clock lighting in World Stroke Campaign colours around the world
PR distribution and media outreach highlighting issues in access to acute treatment

What WSO members can do now

Start to gather health professional, survivor and caregiver testimonials about your experience of what can be saved/or what was lost because the people around you did or didn’t recognize the signs of stroke.

Explore the potential to light up a local landmark clock in campaign indigo blue
Think about ideas to communicate FAST to your communities and share them with us
Engage with your local schools and sign up to become a FAST Heroes delivery partner

Contact campaign@world-stroke.org for more information or to share ideas about how to make the world aware of stroke symptoms on Oct 29^th 2021.

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