Each June, communities across Canada come together to recognize Stroke Awareness Month and Aphasia Awareness Month – two critical observances that shine a spotlight on prevention, early recognition, recovery, and the communication challenges that many stroke survivors face.
In Southeastern Ontario, local stroke survivor support groups are partnering with community stroke support services agencies to raise awareness through events, outreach campaigns and education initiatives. These efforts aim to engage the public in learning more about the signs and symptoms of stroke, as well as the long-lasting effects such as aphasia- a communication disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, understand, read or write, without affecting intelligence. Embedded within this month’s awareness initiatives is the FAST campaign-an essential public education tool that makes it easier to identify stroke symptoms quickly and to take immediate action by calling 911. Time is everything during a stroke. In fact, there is a saying that “time lost is brain lost”.
Locally, community stroke support services agencies in our region provide invaluable support to stroke survivors throughout the year. In the words of stroke survivors, “groups are great for helping you get through this maze. And you realize that you are not alone”. For stroke and aphasia awareness month, community stroke support services agencies have been working diligently with stroke survivors and caregivers to promote awareness. Some of these activities are summarized below.
In Hastings and Prince Edward County, Lorraine Pyle (Stroke Support Services Facilitator) for Community Care for South Hastings (CCSH), stroke survivors and caregivers will be participating in raising stroke and aphasia awareness on June 3rd at the Quinte Mall. Several municipalities will issue proclamations and light up local landmarks in red. Signage for stroke awareness will be promoted across the area. Media attention will support key messages. FAST cards will be distributed through several local pharmacies.
In the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville area, Jennifer Godkin (Stroke Support Services Facilitator) for Senior Support Services (CPHC) will be hosting a stroke and aphasia awareness month BBQ in Brockville on June 24th and picnic in Perth on June 16th. Local radio stations and TV interviews, signage, social media and websites will also help to promote awareness. Wellness fairs in Almonte and at Brockville General Hospital aim to increase awareness of the FAST campaign and provide education on stroke prevention and recovery.
In the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington area, Emilia Leslie (Stroke Support Services Facilitator) for the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), is also working diligently to organize presentations and media interviews. Resources such as t-shirts, posters and FAST campaign materials are being used to promote awareness of strokes. On June 20th, a social event will offer a space for stroke survivors and caregivers to connect and share experiences of life after stroke.
We extend our thanks to stroke survivors, facilitators, and community stroke support services agencies throughout the region for their continued dedication to raising awareness of stroke and aphasia.