WHEREAS, Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S. despite stroke being largely preventable, treatable and beatable; and each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke; and
WHEREAS, Strokes can happen to anyone, even young people and certain groups are at higher risk for having a stroke including Black Americans and women; and
WHEREAS, The F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of stroke include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911; and recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability; survival or death; and
WHEREAS, High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for stroke and heart disease; and the best way to know if you have healthy blood pressure is to have it checked by a doctor or other health care professional; and
WHEREAS, Having
a stroke puts that person at a higher risk for a second one, however, there are things they can do to reduce their risk, starting with identifying what caused the stroke and learning personal risk factors; and
WHEREAS, During American Stroke Month in May, and year-round, the American Stroke Association’s
Together to End Stroke
® initiative strives to teach people everywhere that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable; and more research and education is needed to help prevent and treat stroke; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby proclaims May 2026 as American Stroke Month in the City of Philadelphia, and urge all the residents of our state to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with stroke, recognize the warning signs and symptoms, and on first sign of a stroke dial 911 immediately so that we might begin to reduce the devastating effects of stroke on our population.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the American Heart Association as evidence of the admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.