Raising Stroke Awareness This May 2025
PROVIDENCE SAINT JOHN’S HEALTH CENTER, SANTA MONICA, May 2025 — May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of stroke prevention, recognizing the signs of stroke, and promoting timely treatment. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a stroke each year. Notably, up to 80% of strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and proper management of risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Throughout May, we invite our community to join us in spreading awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of timely medical care. On this year’s calendar a Providence Saint John’s in Santa Monica, we have highlighted various community outreach events, education opportunities, and internal initiatives designed to empower patients, families, and care teams.
Stroke Awareness Events
Safety Huddle Stroke Awareness Activity
- Date: May 1, 2025
- Details: Distribution of healthy cookies during safety huddles to promote stroke awareness
- Location: Saint John’s Health Center
American Heart Association Table – Blood Pressure Screenings & Stroke Awareness AND
EMS Week – Sidewalk Stroke & Trivia Table
- Date: May 14, 2025
- Details: Hands-on CPR demos, stroke simulation, blood pressure screenings (PSJH), PNI giveaways, and trivia activities.
- Location: Outside the Emergency entrance behind the hospital on Arizona Avenue
Saint Robert’s Center Outreach
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Details: Community tabling with flyers and BEFAST awareness materials.
- Location: Saint John’s Health Center
Inpatient Stroke Awareness Activities
- Date: During the month of May
- Details: Internal education and awareness for patients in the health center.
- Location: Saint John’s Health Center
Trader Joe’s Santa Monica BEFAST Outreach
- Date: May 23, 2025
- Details: Final-week outreach featuring BEFAST education for the public.
- Location: Trader Joe’s , 2300 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
BEFAST
Understanding the signs of stroke is crucial for timely intervention. The BEFAST acronym helps identify common stroke symptoms:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
- Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
- Arms: Arm weakness or numbness, especially on one side
- Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech
- Time: If any of these symptoms are present, call 9-1-1 immediately
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of stroke, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1 and go to the nearest Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Last updated: May 2nd, 2025