The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is urging Arkansans to recognize the warning signs of a stroke in honor of World Stroke Day, observed on October 29. With 1,971 stroke-related deaths in 2024, Arkansas ranks among the states with the highest stroke death rates in the nation.
“Recognizing the signs of stroke and getting medical care quickly can save lives and reduce the risk of long-term disability,” said Dr. Bala Simon, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Chronic Disease Director for ADH. Simon noted that managing blood pressure, staying physically active, adopting healthier eating habits, and quitting smoking are key steps in lowering stroke risk.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, resulting in significant damage for each minute that treatment is delayed. Prompt medical intervention is crucial, as patients treated within three hours of symptoms are more likely to recover without lasting disabilities.
ADH advises Arkansans to use the “BE FAST” acronym to identify stroke symptoms and act quickly:
- **B – Balance**: Sudden loss of balance or coordination. - **E – Eyes**: Sudden vision changes or difficulty seeing. - **F – Face Drooping**: One side of the face droops; ask the person to smile. - **A – Arm Weakness**: One arm drifts downward when raised. - **S – Speech Difficulty**: Slurred or hard-to-understand speech. - **T – Time to call 911**: Seek emergency assistance immediately.
Even if symptoms disappear, individuals are urged to call 911 without delay, as this can prevent further complications or death.
To enhance stroke care statewide, Arkansas has implemented the Stroke Ready Hospital designation program, recognizing facilities that meet specific standards for stroke treatment. Currently, 46 hospitals in Arkansas receive support from the state or national accreditation programs to treat stroke cases effectively. Many others participate in telestroke programs, which provide rural hospitals with remote access to specialized stroke care consultations.
Hospitals seeking Stroke Ready status work with the ADH to ensure staff are trained, protocols are in place, and patients are evaluated, treated, or transferred promptly when needed. Data from the Arkansas Stroke Registry, designed to track outcomes and improvement, shows marked progress over time. From 2019 to 2025, the percentage of eligible stroke patients receiving recommended care rose from 62% to 79%.
Ongoing initiatives to strengthen coordination between emergency medical services and hospitals are also helping to improve statewide stroke care access. These measures aim to ensure patients, regardless of location, receive timely and appropriate treatment.
For more information about stroke prevention and care in Arkansas, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.