Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 2026, as Stroke Awareness Month in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council read, approve, and present to Mary Grace Sabol, Management Assistant, City Manager’s Office.
Discussion
In the United States, May is designated as National Stroke Awareness Month. This month is a time to focus on raising awareness about strokes, promoting stroke prevention, and encouraging early recognition of stroke symptoms to improve treatment outcomes.
Key aspects of National Stroke Awareness Month:
Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute if a stroke remains untreated. Rapid access to medical treatment oftentimes makes the difference between full recovery and permanent disability. Know the signs of a stroke and act F.A.S.T.
F - Facial drooping
A - Arm (or Leg) weakness
S - Speech difficulties
T - Time to call for help
The Facts:
• Stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
• 80% of all strokes are preventable.
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of severe disability.
• On average, one person dies from a stroke every 4 minutes.
• More than 795,000 people have a stroke each year in the U.S.
• Stroke kills almost 130,000 of the 800,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year-that’s 1 out of every 19 deaths from all causes.
Prevent stroke by following the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Life's 7 Simple Tips for Stroke Awareness.”
• Manage blood pressure
• Control cholesterol
• Reduce blood sugar
• Get active
• Eat better
• Lose weight
• Stop smoking
Raising Awareness:
The month aims to educate the public about the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and potential consequences of stroke.
Promoting Prevention:
Resources and information are shared to help individuals identify and manage risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which can contribute to stroke.
Encouraging Early Recognition and Action:
The month emphasizes the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or numbness, and taking prompt action by calling 911 or seeking immediate medical attention.
Supporting Stroke Survivors:
The month also recognizes the needs of stroke survivors and their families, offering resources and support for recovery and long-term care.
Specific initiatives and events:
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association:
These organizations often lead the way in promoting awareness, providing educational resources, and funding research.
Survive Stroke Week:
A dedicated week within May, this year, from May 3 to May 9, focuses on raising awareness and providing support for stroke survivors and their families.
The Stroke Association uses this as a theme to encourage people to wear Purple and raise funds for stroke research and support.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council recognize National Stroke Awareness Month annually.