Purple paper cutout of a human head with a heartbeat line inside, next to wooden blocks spelling 'AWARENESS' on a white marble background.

Learn About Stroke

Know The Signs.

Act Quickly.

Support The Journey.

Stroke can change a life in an instant, but many strokes are preventable and treatable when people know what to look for and what to do. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States and happens to someone about every 40 seconds.CDC+1

This page is here to help you:

  • Recognize the warning signs of stroke

  • Know when to call 911

  • Learn practical ways to reduce your risk

  • Find trusted organizations, tools, and warm lines for support

Knowledge really can save a life, including your own or someone you love.

Recognize the Signs

F.A.S.T. Stroke Warning Signs

F – Face Drooping
One side of the face may droop. Ask the person to smile.
A – Arm Weakness
One arm may drift downward when raised.
S – Speech Difficulty
Speech may be slurred or hard to understand.
T – Time to Call 911
If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

Know the F.A.S.T. Warning Signs

Use F.A.S.T. to quickly remember the most common warning signs of stroke.www.stroke.org+2www.stroke.org+2

F – Face drooping
One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
Ask the person to smile. Does the smile look uneven?

A – Arm weakness
Is one arm weak or numb?
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?

S – Speech difficulty
Is speech slurred, unclear, or hard to understand?
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.” Is it repeated correctly?

T – Time to call 911
If you see any of these signs, even if they go away, call 911 right away. Note the time symptoms started. Fast treatment can save brain cells and reduce disability.CDC+1

Other Stroke Symptoms

  • Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
  • Vision problems in one or both eyes
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
  • A sudden severe headache with no known cause

🚨 Call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke.

  • Do not wait to see if symptoms get better

  • Do not drive yourself or someone else if you can avoid it

  • Note the time you first noticed symptoms and share it with emergency responders

Every minute matters. Quick treatment can save brain cells and improve recovery.

When To Call 911

Preventing Stroke

Up to 80% of strokes are thought to be preventable by addressing risk factors and getting regular medical care.www.stroke.org+1

Talk with your healthcare provider about:

  • Blood pressure control

  • Managing diabetes and high cholesterol

  • Atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions

  • Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol

  • Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight

  • Taking medications as prescribed

Learn More About How To Prevent Stroke

Stroke By The Numbers

795,000+
Strokes in the U.S. each year
Every 40 seconds
Someone has a stroke
1 in 4
Are repeat strokes
80%
Are preventable

About 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke each yearCDC+1

  1. About 1 in 4 strokes happen in people who have had a previous strokeCDC+1

  2. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disabilityCDC+1

  3. Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke

Stroke Warm Lines & Support

☎️ Stroke Warm Lines

(Non-emergency support)

These options are for education, resources, and emotional support, not urgent medical care:

For any sudden stroke symptoms, call 911 first.

Trusted Organizations & Resources

A gloved hand holding a red heart.
Hands in blue medical gloves holding a red heart-shaped object against a light blue background.

American Stroke Association – education, tools, and support for survivors and caregivers

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Stroke – facts, risks, and prevention tips

Georgia Department of Public Health – Stroke – Georgia-specific stroke information and programs