Frederick County Launches Spanish-Language Stroke Awareness Campaign

A PSA in Spanish about the symptoms of stroke and what actions to take was unveiled.Frederick, Md (KM) The Stroke Awareness Campaign in Frederick County has been expanded. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced on Thursday that a public service announcement about the symptoms of stroke and what actions to take is available in Spanish. “With Spanish being the second-most common language in our community, having educational materials in the Spanish language is key to ensuring equitable outcomes, and that are residents feel seen and heard,” she said.A stroke awareness and prevention campaign was launched in May, 2023 to help fight this particular cause of death and disability. The slogan is ‘When it comes to stroke, be fast. Call 911.”Stroke results from blockages in the blood supply to the brain. It can cause long lasting brain damage, disability and even death. The symptoms of stroke are a loss of balance or dizziness; a sudden change in vision; drooping on one or both sides of the face; weakness or numbness in the arms; and trouble speaking or confused. If you notice someone experiencing these conditions, call 911.Dr. Barbara Brookmyer, Frederick County’s Health Officer, says stroke is a leading cause  of death and disability in Frederick County, and producing this PSA in Spanish is crucial. “Our local data shows that a majority of our Hispanic and Latino community members who have experienced stroke, the majority of them are arriving at the emergency department too late for the very early treatments,”: she says.The Health Department says the PSA uses a tool  called AHORA to help those who speak Spanish to identify and remember the common signs of stroke and what to do. Ahora is a Spanish word for “now;” AHORA stands for Andar (walking); Hablar (speech); Ojos (eyes); Rostro (face); and Andros Brazos and Piernas (both arms and legs). If you see anyone who is experiencing stroke symptoms call 911, county officials say.To view the  Spanish-language PSA, go to FrederickCountyMD.gov/Stroke.By Kevin McManus