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Stroke Smart Michigan Champion Partners: K-12 Schools

Stroke Smart Michigan: Program Overview and Steps Required to Become a K–12 School Stroke Champion

Stroke Smart Michigan is a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Michigan Stroke Program (MiSP). The program partners with organizations across Michigan to increase stroke awareness, improve rapid response to stroke symptoms and reduce stroke-related illness and death. K–12 schools, as trusted community institutions, play a key role in bringing life-saving knowledge to students, staff and families.

Why This Work Matters

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in Michigan. After decades of decline, stroke mortality has risen since 2013 and continues to exceed the national rate. Many communities experience a high burden of stroke risk factors and need accessible, age-appropriate and culturally relevant education and resources. School leaders, teachers and staff hold trusted roles related to student and family well-being. Schools are uniquely positioned to help reverse these trends through education, outreach and support.

Program Goals

Stroke Smart Michigan aims to:

  • Increase public awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke.
  • Improve readiness to recognize and respond quickly.
  • Promote prevention and cardiovascular health.
  • Reduce disparities through focused outreach.
  • Build sustainable partnerships to improve school and community health.

K-12 School Participation Criteria

To become a Stroke Smart K-12 School, participants will:

  • Appoint a Stroke Champion to serve as the primary program contact.
  • Complete Stroke Preparedness Training through MDHHS.
  • Host an annual stroke education event for 4th – 12th grade students using age-appropriate curriculum developed by MDHHS Stroke Smart Michigan.
  • Distribute stroke educational materials on stroke prevention and preparedness for students to take home to family members.
  • Coordinate an annual stroke screening event for staff, parents and caregivers.
  • Steps to complete this criteria can be found below.

Benefits of Participation

Schools that meet Stroke Smart criteria:

  • Equip students, staff and families with life-saving stroke literacy.
  • Strengthen school and community readiness and reduce delays in seeking emergency care.
  • Help connect individuals to prevention and recovery resources.
  • Demonstrate leadership and commitment to student and community health.

Recognition reflects a commitment to awareness and education, not clinical certification.

Building a Healthier Michigan Together

Through partnerships with county health departments, local organizations, and school leaders, Stroke Smart Michigan expands effective, evidence-based approaches statewide. By engaging K–12 schools, the program ensures that every student, staff member and family in Michigan has the knowledge to Spot a Stroke, Stop a Stroke and Save a Life.

Steps to Become a Recognized Stroke Smart K-12 School

  1. Designate a Stroke Champion at the school responsible for overseeing the program, including coordination with MDHHS and stroke prevention groups to host stroke education events.
  2. Complete the Stroke Smart Michigan Partner Interest Form (URL: www.surveymonkey.com/r/StrokeSmartInterestForm) to initiate the recognition process.

    QR code linking to the Stroke Smart Michigan Partner Interest Form page at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StrokeSmartInterestForm
     

  3. Ensure the Stroke Champion completes the MDHHS BE FAST Stroke Preparedness Training. The Michigan Stroke Program team will work with your organization's Stroke Champion to identify a date and time to complete the training.
  4. Coordinate with MDHHS and local stroke prevention groups to host at least one stroke education event for 4th – 12th grade students. School stroke education materials are available on the Stroke Smart Michigan Resources page.
  5. Distribute stroke prevention and preparedness materials to students. Stroke Smart materials are available on the Stroke Smart Michigan Resources page.
  6. Coordinate with MDHHS and local stroke prevention groups to host at least one stroke awareness event annually for school staff, parents and caregivers.* The event should:
    • Educate participants on how to identify a stroke and the importance of early Emergency Medical Services (EMS) activation.
    • Assess individual stroke risks and provide guidance on reducing risks.
    • Screen for social determinants of health and connect participants with appropriate community-based resources.
    • Distribute approved stroke awareness materials to participants.

Once steps 1-6 are finished, submit the Stroke Smart Michigan Partner Completion Form (URL: www.surveymonkey.com/r/StrokeSmartCompletionForm). This will allow MDHHS to verify the completion of the criteria and to recognize your organization as Stroke Smart.
QR code linking to the Stroke Smart Michigan Partner Completion Form page at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StrokeSmartCompletionForm 

 
*Note: Various public health and nursing organizations partner with Stroke Smart Michigan to provide free onsite stroke screenings. Hosting these events will require that the Stroke Champion from the school assists in coordinating the site location and event date and time with MDHHS Stroke Team staff.

For more information on the Stroke Smart Michigan Program or for assistance, visit Stroke Smart Michigan (URL: www.michigan.gov/StrokeSmart) or contact MDHHS-Stroke@Michigan.gov.
 

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