On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Mayor David Meyer and the city council presented a proclamation to make the City of Fairfax a Stroke Smart community. The Stroke Smart campaign is a statewide program launched in 2021 to improve knowledge and response to strokes in communities in the commonwealth. 

This video, featuring former Gov. Northam, illustrates Alexandria’s methods and Virginia’s motivation:  Stroke Smart Virginia 

Why does the City need to be Stroke Smart?

Strokes are the #1 cause of long-term disability in the U.S. and will be suffered by 1 in 6 people. This is a concern for our community as strokes effects individuals of all ages, however, strokes most commonly affect our older adults. The city has a goal for all of our older adults to age at home in the community with a high quality of life while maintaining their independence.

Our providers train diligently to respond to patients experiencing strokes, but our efforts are less effective the longer a stroke goes unrecognized. With proper recognition and treatment, many patients can recover with no lasting effects. Unfortunately, the vast majority of stroke patients do not access that treatment in time because the signs and symptoms of a stroke aren’t quickly recognized.

We need the community’s help to address this concern by recognizing strokes early and calling 9-1-1. 

If you spot a stroke, you can stop a stroke!

How to Become Stroke Smart

We urge all residents and businesses to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke through the Stroke Smart campaign. One can become Stroke Smart in as little as three minutes: Become Stroke Smart!

We want all community members to remember: BE FAST

Symptoms can come and go, may be different for each person depending on the part of the brain affected, and may mimic other healthcare concerns. Sudden onset of balance problems, vision changes, facial drooping, body weakness, and problems understanding or forming words are common stroke symptoms.

When in doubt, Contact 9-1-1!

One can also educate themselves further by visiting our Stroke Health Education page.  

What’s Next? 

The City of Fairfax will be conducting educational efforts through our media platforms and at community events, encouraging businesses to support and post educational materials at their establishments, and providing all employees stroke awareness/recognition education.

The City of Fairfax is also creating a citizen-led Stroke Smart advocacy group, composed of business leaders, stroke survivors, medical professionals, and anyone interested in reducing death and disability from strokes bringing the message into their communities and exploring future opportunities.

These efforts will be through a partnership with the Northern Virginia EMS Council and the Virginia Department of Health. VDH-funded magnets and wallet cards, and Council-supplied presentations, experts, flyers, and talking points assist city staff and community leaders in educating our community about early stroke recognition.  

For additional information regarding Stroke Smart or if you have interest in hosting a stroke smart educational session/becoming a Stroke Smart business, please e-mail StrokeSmart@fairfaxva.gov.