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2013 Great Rivers Stroke Awareness Toolkit

2013 Great Rivers Stroke Awareness ToolkitServing Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West VirginiaServing Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

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Welcome to the Great Rivers Affiliate Stroke Toolkit.Serving Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Get your internal stroke campaign started here! The free, downloadable materials willhelp you build awareness of stroke throughout the year. Here are some ideas to getyou started:

• Create an awareness event with your employees or colleagues.• Have a get-together with your friends and family and teach them the importance of learning the warning signs of stroke.• Use our educational resources to learn and share the facts on stroke.• Use these materials to learn more about stroke and ways to heighten awareness.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the UnitedStates. As we look to the future, stroke will play a critically important role in reachingthe American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s 2020 Impact Goal: toimprove the cardiovascular health of ALL Americans by 20%, while reducing deathfrom cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20% by 2020.

Thank you for your dedication to helping individuals and their families live longer,stronger, healthier lives.

Note: These materials are for internal/personal, non-public use only. Materials cannotbe used to promote public events and should only be use for privately held eventsby individuals, organizations or companies. For more information about branding andlicensing, contact your local American Heart Association.

Great Rivers Affiliate Stroke Awareness Toolkit

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Stroke Toolkit Fact Sheet Page 4

Stroke Warning Signs Fact Sheet Page 5

Stroke Awareness Activity Ideas Pages 6-7

Sample American Stroke Month Proclamation Page 8

Stroke Social Media Messaging Page 9

F.A.S.T. Resources Pages 10-12

American Heart Association Contact Information Pages 13

Great Rivers AffiliateStroke Awareness ToolkitTable of Contents

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Access easy to use stroke educational tools and resources toactivate a stroke awareness campaign within your organization.This helpful toolkit contains valuable educational information andpractical tools for raising awareness of stroke.

• Get FREE and easy to access downloadable materials.

• Use our educational resources to learn and share the facts on stroke.

• Use these materials to learn more about stroke and ways to heighten awareness.

• Create an awareness event with your employees or colleagues.

• Have a get-together with your friends and family and teach them the importance of learning the warning signs of stroke.

Visit www.heart.org/GRAStrokeToolkit.

Great Rivers Affiliate Stroke Awareness Toolkit

Introducing...Great Rivers Affiliate Stroke ToolkitServing Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

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F.A.S.T. is:Face — Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Arm — Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty — Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to under-stand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

Time to call 911 — If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

What to do if you think someone is having a stroke?Immediately call 9-1-1 or the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number so an ambulance can be sent. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first stroke symptoms appeared. A clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may improve the chances of getting better but only if you get them help right away.

A TIA or transient ischemic attack is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms. TIA symptoms usually only last a few minutes but, if left untreated, people who have TIAs have a high risk of stroke. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce the risk of a major stroke.

Beyond F.A.S.T. — Other Symptoms you should know• Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Stroke is a medical emergency.Know the Signs. Act F.A.S.T.

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• Contact a reporter with a great story. Local newspapers, and TV and radio stations, are alwaysseeking compelling human-interest stories. If you have a patient or former patient whose successstory is truly unique, find out the name of a local reporter who covers health and science issues and write him or her a short letter or email describing the pa-tient’s condition and what was accomplished.Be mindful of patient confidentiality restric-tions if you choose this option, and be sure to get their permission before releasing any personal information to the media. When communicating include the fact that May is American Stroke Month. Remember, stories that might include or offer good photos are always preferred.

• Look for opportunities to interact with public audiences. Use one of the already created presentations on stroke signs and symptoms and offer to deliver an informal speech to community service organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary Clubs, etc.), the local AARP or senior centers/senior health fair. Distribute appropriate handouts.

• Proclaim May as American Stroke Month. Contact your local Mayor or City Council and ask for a Proclamation of May as Stroke Awareness Month. A sample Proclamation is included in this toolkit.

• Partner with public service. To distribute materials throughout your community, partner with Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, local high school service organizations, etc. Some areas you may target for information: local libraries and post offices with bookmarks of stroke warning signs, grade schools with puzzles and word finds about stroke, and local stores or area mall.

• Throw an American Stroke Month party. Invite stroke survivors and their caregivers for a celebration of their achievements during American Stroke Month. Ask them to bring friends and family. Invite local government officials, including your Senator or member of Congress. Serve refreshments, offer a tour, and take lots of pictures. Prepare an article for your in-house publications, and send a news release to your local newspaper.

Stroke Awareness Activity Ideas

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• Hold a contest. Invite pediatric clients and their siblings or local schools to complete a coloring sheet depicting stroke. Display the entries and draw the names of several win-ners. Take photos of the winners and send them with a story to your facility’s newsletter, or even the local newspaper. Be sure to acquire permission before submitting stories to the media.

• Confer special honors. Recognize an outstanding administrator, name an employee of the year, or honor a patient or caregiver. Arrange a ceremony or event to present the honor. Produce a certificate. Take photos and send them with a short description to your local newspaper. Have stroke survivors volunteer by staffing front portions of the hospital to increase the visibility of stroke.

• Inform co-workers. Set up a display table in the cafeteria over lunch or early in the morn-ing. Email your coworkers information about stroke signs and symptoms.

• Post stroke awareness information on your Facebook and Twitter.• Have a brown bag lunch one day each week during the month of May with a stroke

speaker. Inform others in your work setting through cafeteria tent cards, fliers, email, or bulletin board notices. Have staff on hand to chat and inform people about stroke, may-be even take blood pressures. Play videos about stroke.

• Provide stroke videos to departments to play during a staff meeting.• Post signs and flyers throughout your workplace about stroke.• Organize a stroke education event at your local church, synagogue or mosque. Invite

stroke survivors to share their experience. Partner with a nursing program to provide blood pressure and/or cholesterol screening. Be sure to provide adequate referrals for follow up.

• Host a stroke fair at your organization. Include “Let’s Talk About Stroke” fliers and games for the participants. Example: Set up a mini-golf game with turf and golf club. Have your participants randomly select a stroke disability from a deck of cards (i.e.: eye patch over one eye, cane, walker, wheelchair, sling for one arm). Have the participant golf with this disability. It will demonstrate the devastating effects that stroke sufferers experience daily and bring awareness of the importance of stroke prevention and education.

Stroke Awareness Activity Ideas Continued

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WHEREAS, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 130,000 people nationwide and [X] citizens of [STATE] each year; and

WHEREAS, stroke prevalence is projected to increase by 24.9% between 2010 and 2030 and the direct medical costs for treating stroke are expected to increase by 238%, from $28.3 billion in 2010 to $95.6 billion by 2030; and

WHEREAS, new and effective treatments have been developed to treat and minimize the severity and damaging effect of strokes, but much more research is needed; and

WHEREAS, Americans are more aware of the risk factors and warning signs for stroke than in the past, but according to a recent survey, one-third of adults cannot identify any symptoms; and

WHEREAS, the F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of stroke include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 9-1-1; and beyond F.A.S.T., additional stroke warning signs and symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause; and

WHEREAS, a new study by the American Stroke Association shows that the quick actions by EMS profes-sionals are instrumental in saving lives from stroke and producing better outcomes for stroke survivors, but more than a third of stroke patients fail to use EMS; andWHEREAS, throughout American Stroke Month 2013 the American Stroke Association will honor those EMS professionals and stroke survivors who have acted F.A.S.T. in a stroke emergency to save lives by highlight-ing and sharing their stories; and

WHEREAS, the American Stroke Association’s Power To End Stroke will increase physical activity in at risk populations through the online Power Fitness challenge. The challenge will track individual’s physical activity through a mobile app or device and encourage them to make exercise a daily activity through prize offerings and community support:

NOW, THEREFORE, I Governor [NAME], do hereby proclaim May 2013 to be AMERICAN STROKE MONTH

in [STATE] and urge all the citizens of our state to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with stroke, recognize the warning signs and symptoms, and on first signs of a stroke dial 9-1-1 immediate-ly so that we might begin to reduce the devastating effects of stroke on our population.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of [STATE] this day of May 2013.

Governor [NAME]

Sample Stroke Month Proclamation

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Sample Social Media MessagesCover Photos for FacebookThese cover photos are available on the American Stroke Association’s Facebook page. Feel free to down-load them and use them on your own page throughout May!

Facebook:Week 1: May is American Stroke Month. Share the signs of a stroke with your friends and help us beat stroke!

Week 2: Do you know the warning signs of a stroke and what to do?Teacher on phone: If you think someone is having a stroke, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. A person’s chances of beating stroke are better when they get immediate treatment.

Week 3 (EMS Week): This week, we’re celebrating those who make sure people having a stroke get the care they need as quickly as possible. EMS professionals are ready to save lives. Help them by learning how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

Week 4: Thank you for helping us educate more people about the signs of a stroke during American Stroke Month! Together, we can end stroke. Twitter:Week 1: May is American #StrokeMonth. Know and RT the signs of stroke and help @American_Heart beat stroke! #ASA http://bit.ly/Vz2aoU

Week 2: Do you know the warning signs of a stroke and what to do? #StrokeMonth #ASA http://bit.ly/Vz2aoU

Week 3 (EMS Week): Happy #EMSWeek! RT to thank EMS for all they do in the fight against #stroke.Are you an #EMS pro? Share details on recognizing a stroke this #StrokeMonth http://bit.ly/16pMAAq

Week 4: Thank you for helping us & @American_Heart educate more people about signs of stroke during #StrokeMonth! http://bit.ly/Vz2aoU

App (link is for iphone only right now)Download the @American Stroke Association’s app today and have everything you need to know about spotting a stroke F.A.S.T. at your fingertips: http://bit.ly/15N3MQb

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Download this application for your phone at StrokeAssociation.org/WarningSigns

Last year, many of the 795,000 Americans who suffered a stroke did not get the right lifesaving treatment in time. But you can help save lives and improve recovery by thinking F.A.S.T. These simple letters can help you recognize the signs of a stroke and get help right away. Download the app today and remember F.A.S.T.

It could save a life, possibly yours.

SPOT A STROKE

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©2012, American Heart Association. 12/12LN1966

StrokeAssociation.org/WarningSigns1-888-4-STROKE

IS:

FAcE DROOPIng — Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

ARm WEAKnESS — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEEch DIFFIculTy — Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TImE TO cAll 9-1-1 — If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

BEyOnD F.A.S.T. — OThER SymPTOmS yOu ShOulD KnOW• Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or loss

of coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

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Does one side of the face droop or

is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the

person to raise both arms. Does one arm

drift downward?

Is speech slurred, is her or she unable to speak or hard

to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple

sentence. Is the sentence repeated correctly?

For more information visit strokeassociation.org

If the person shows any of these symptoms,

even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and

get him or her to the hospital immediately.

FACE DROOPINGFACE

DROOPINGARM

WEAKNESS ARM

WEAKNESS SPEECH

DIFFICULTY SPEECH

DIFFICULTY TIME

TO CALL 9-1-1 TIME

TO CALL 9-1-1

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of a stroke and what you need to do when it happens. When you spot the signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

This is important because the sooner a stroke victim gets to the hospital, the sooner they can begin treatment. And that can make a remarkable difference in recovery.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS HAVING A STROKEWHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS HAVING A STROKE

Immediately call 9-1-1 so an ambulance can be sent.

Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

9-1-11 2 34 5 67 8 0* 0 #

3:02

Immediate stroke treatment may improve the chances of survival, but only if you get help right away.

WHY IS CHECKING THE TIME IMPORTANT?WHY IS CHECKING THE TIME IMPORTANT?

STROKE IS THE NO. 1 PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF DISABILITY.STROKE IS THE NO. 1 PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF DISABILITY.

Stroke is largely a preventable, treatable and beatable disease that affects

795,000 AMERICANS A YEAR.

On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

Every 4 minutes someone dies of stroke.

4:00minutes

HOW TO SPOT A STROKE

strokeassociation.org

ARM WEAKNESS SPEECH DIFFICULTY TIME TO CALL 911FACE DROOPING

SPOT A STROKE

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DELAWARE:American Heart Association200 Continental DriveSuite 101Newark, DE 19713New Castle: (302) 454-0613Kent & Sussex: (877) 750-4276

KENTUCKY:LexingtonAmerican Heart Association210 Malabu DriveSuite 125Lexington, KY 40502(859) 278-1632

Louisville/Bowling GreenAmerican Heart Association240 Whittington ParkwayLouisville, KY 40222(502) 587-8641

OHIO:AkronAmerican Heart Association3505 Embassy ParkwaySuite 100Akron, OH 44333(330) 664-1930

CantonAmerican Heart Association4682 Douglas Circle NWCanton, OH 44718(330) 478-8383

CincinnatiAmerican Heart Association5211 Madison RoadCincinnati, OH 45227(513) 281-4048

ClevelandAmerican Heart Association1689 East 115th StreetCleveland, OH 44106(216) 791-7500

ColumbusAmerican Heart Association5455 N. High StreetColumbus, OH 43214(614) 848-6676

DaytonAmerican Heart Association1313 W. Dorothy LaneKettering, OH 45409(937) 853-3101

ToledoAmerican Heart Association1701 Woodlands DriveSuite 200Maumee OH 43537419-740-6180

Youngstown/MercerAmerican Heart Association840 Southwestern RunYoungstown, OH 44514(330) 965-9230

PENNSYLVANIA:PittsburghAmerican Heart AssociationFour Gateway Center444 Liberty AvenueSuite 1300Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1207(412) 208-3550

Lehigh ValleyAmerican Heart Association212 East Broad StreetBethlehem, PA 18018(610) 867-0583

ChambersburgAmerican Heart Association417 A Phoenix DriveChambersburg, PA 17201(717) 263-2870/(877) 584-8146

Your American Heart AssociationGreat Rivers AffiliateServing Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

ErieAmerican Heart Association823 Filmore AvenueErie, PA 16505(814) 836-0013/(866) 465-1356

Capitol RegionAmerican Heart Association1019 Mumma RoadWormleysburg, PA 17043(717) 730-1783

LancasterAmerican Heart Association610 Community WayLancaster, PA 17603(717) 393-0725

PhiladelphiaAmerican Heart AssociationOne Penn Center1617 JFK BoulevardSuite 700Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 575-5200

Fayette/WashingtonAmerican Heart Association7829 National PikeSuite 2Uniontown, PA 15401(724) 437-2798/(888) 988-2179

Lackawanna/Luzerne/NortheastAmerican Heart Association613 Baltimore Dr.Suite 3Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702(570) 822-9438

WEST VIRGINIA:Charleston/Tri-State RegionAmerican Heart Association162 Court StreetCharleston, WV 25301(304) 720-9001/(800) 926-4278

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2013 Great Rivers Stroke Awareness Toolkit

2013 Great Rivers Stroke Awareness Toolkit

Serving Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West VirginiaServing Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia