May 2022: Stroke Awareness Month

WHEREAS, May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to remember the millions of people and their loved ones who have been affected by one of the nation’s leading causes of death and long-term disability; and,

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience stroke each year, and someone tragically dies of a stroke every four minutes; and,

WHEREAS, strokes costs the United States about $46 billion annually in medical care and long-term rehabilitation; and,

WHEREAS, in 2019, 5,200 people died of a stroke in Michigan, making it the fifth leading cause of death; and,

WHEREAS, many strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and controlling diseases that can increase risk for stroke such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes; and,

WHEREAS, a severe ischemic stroke, such as Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the major arteries of the brain, restricting the flow of blood and oxygen and killing up to two million brain cells per minute until the patient receives treatment; and,

WHEREAS, studies have shown that for every 5 minutes saved in getting a critical stroke patient the lifesaving care they need, they will experience an additional month of life without disability, and for every minute saved in transfer to the most appropriate care, there is $1,000 savings in medical costs; and,

WHEREAS, Michiganders are encouraged to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke and act FAST: (F)ace drooping, (A)rm numbness, (S)peech difficulty and (T)ime to call 911.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2022 as Stroke Awareness Month in Michigan.