Hmong Stroke Resources

Don’t wait. Call 911.

Calling 911 is the only way to get help fast when a stroke happens. You don't need to speak English—just say “Hmong” and a free interpreter will assist you.

An older Hmong person is sitting in front of a window and looking up.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain stops. That can happen when a blood vessel is either clogged (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Without a constant blood supply, brain cells start dying fast, which can cause permanent damage to a person’s ability to talk or move their body. Undetected or untreated, strokes can even cause death.

Digital illustration of blood vessels in the brain depicting a clot and a rupture.

Know the signs of a stroke.

Strokes often come without a warning, and they don’t always hurt. But if you know the signs and act fast when you see them, you can save lives.

If you see any of these signs, don’t wait! Call 911 immediately, even if they go away. A small sign can mean a bigger stroke is coming.

Digital illustration of a man with stars and rings surrounding his head

Loss of balance or confusion

Do they have trouble walking? Ask them if they feel dizzy and watch for signs of confusion and disorientation.

Digital illustration of a woman with blurred letters floating around her head

Sudden vision changes

Ask whether they have blurred vision, double vision, or complete vision loss in one or both eyes.

Digital illustration of a woman with the right side of her face drooping

Sudden facial drooping

Ask them to smile. Does one side droop? Does it look uneven?

Digital illustration of a woman holding her arm with squiggly lines emanating from it

Weakness in one arm or leg

Ask them to raise both arms. Does one fall down? Does one side feel weak?

Digital illustration of a man with a speech bubble and question marks floating around his head

Slurred or altered speech

Are their words slurred? Are they hard to understand? Can they speak at all?

The Hmong community suffers strokes 11 years earlier than others.

Don’t wait. Call 911.
Calling 911 is the only way to get help fast when a stroke happens. You don't need to speak English—just say “Hmong” and a free interpreter will assist you.

Free resources to help protect your community

Use these free downloads to share life-saving information about strokes with your family and friends.

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