Reducing Stroke Impact Through Readiness

May is recognized as National Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising public understanding of stroke risks, symptoms, and prevention methods. The American Heart Association reports that someone dies from a stroke every three minutes in the United States, which demonstrates the critical importance of awareness and timely intervention.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked or ruptures. This prevents the brain from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs, causing brain cells to die. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, which account for approximately 87 percent of all stroke cases, occur when blood vessels supplying the brain become blocked, killing brain cells within minutes. Hemorrhagic strokes happen when bleeding suddenly occurs in the brain, damaging brain cells by exerting pressure on surrounding tissue.

A person can have a stroke at any age, but the likelihood increases with certain lifestyle factors. Smoking, an unhealthy diet, limited physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and chronic stress all elevate the risk of stroke. However, certain risk factors remain beyond individual control, including family history of stroke, race, age, a history of stroke or heart attack, and gender. Specifically, women are more likely than men to experience a stroke and are at greater risk of dying from one.

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is critical in an emergency. General symptoms include difficulty speaking, sudden weakness, typically on one side of the body, impaired coordination, a sudden severe headache, and vision problems. A helpful way to remember the most common signs is FAST:

F: Face drooping. Check to see if one side of the face droops, especially when smiling.

A: Arm weakness. One arm may be weak or numb. Raise both arms to see if one drifts downward.

S: Speech difficulty. The individual may have slurred speech or be unable to repeat a simple sentence.

T: Time to call 911. If any of these symptoms are present, call emergency services immediately and note when the symptoms began.

As public awareness of stroke grows, the need for healthcare facilities to be fully prepared to respond remains essential. Mille Lacs Health System continues to meet this need through its designation as a Stroke Ready Hospital, reflecting an ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, time-sensitive care for stroke patients in the community.

This certification enhances the organization’s ability to provide evidence-based stroke treatment, supports coordination with EMS and stroke centers, reinforces staff training, ensures facility readiness, and upholds the health system’s reputation for clinical excellence.

Maintaining this designation requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Key components include the development of standardized stroke protocols, regular staff education, the availability of essential equipment and medications, and participation in data collection and continuous quality improvement initiatives in alignment with Minnesota Department of Health requirements. The hospital must also pass a comprehensive on-site inspection of its Stroke Program by the Minnesota Department of Health every three years to maintain this certification.

Stroke awareness, combined with access to certified care, plays an important role in reducing the long-term impact of stroke. Mille Lacs Health System remains committed to advancing both education and emergency response efforts to protect the health of our communities.