Community Stroke Prevention Programs

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Disparities in risk factor prevalence, stroke incidence, and mortality exist across races and gender. Although healthcare providers may know the risk factors of stroke, prevention of strokes and control of the major risk factors remain poor. In addition, the general population lacks knowledge of the warning signs of strokes and the factors that put them at risk for having a stroke. Stroke prevention programs have been found to be successful in increasing awareness of the disease, but more prevention through reduction of modifiable risks is needed to lower the incidence of strokes.