American Stroke Association World Stroke Day is October 29
Stroke Facts That Might Surprise You
- Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age.
- Globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.
- Most adults in the U.S. don’t know the B.e. F.a.s.t. warning signs of a stroke.
- Stroke is largely treatable if you call 911 as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
Stroke Hero Awards
Help us shine a light and celebrate survivors, groups, caregivers, clinicians and advocates who educate, inspire or raise awareness about stroke locally or nationally. They are Stroke Heroes who make a lasting difference in the lives of people every day. Nominations are accepted through Nov. 4, 2026 at 8 p.m. CT.
View the Stroke Hero Award categories and nominate your hero
Stroke is an emergency. Call 911 if these signs are present.
B = Balance Loss
Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness?
E = Eye (Vision) Changes
Are there sudden changes in vision? Ask the person if they are experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
F = Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T = Time to Call 911
If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!
Resources
B.E. F.A.S.T. to Spot a Stroke
R.Á.P.I.D.O. PSA
Stroke Support Services
Together to End Stroke® E-newsletter