Stroke Foundation is marking a major milestone with a vow to continue fighting to reduce the number of preventable strokes and for the best treatment and care for Tasmanians living with the impacts of stroke.
This month marks Stroke Foundation’s 25-year anniversary. The not-for-profit is the only national organisation focused on stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery for all Australians.
This is critical in Tasmania, where 665 people experienced a stroke for the first-time last year, and where 11,000 people are already living with the impact of stroke.
Stroke Foundation’s State Manager for Tasmania, Eamonn O’Toole, said the organisation provides access to a range of services for people impacted by stroke.
“We are grateful for the support and funding provided through the Tasmanian Government. We also have a very engaged and active stroke community which in turn supports and educates the rest of the community.”
“It starts with knowing the F.A.S.T message as that knowledge genuinely saves lives. To make sure as many Australians as possible learn what it means, we provide that message in Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi and Korean on our website,” Mr O’Toole said.
Thinking F.A.S.T involves asking these simple questions:
Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms Can they lift both arms?
Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away
Another highlight of Stroke Foundation’s first 25 years has been the establishment of the free national phone service StrokeLine. This is not an emergency service but a support line which offers practical and confidential advice.
“Our next 25 years at Stroke Foundation will be focused on championing new avenues in prevention, treatment, and recovery to make the future brighter and help people with stroke live well,” Mr O’Toole said.
