Little Rock, Arkansas – Stroke remains one of the deadliest and most disabling health emergencies in Arkansas, with new data revealing that roughly 32 Arkansans are hospitalized for stroke each and every day. That’s at least one person every hour suffering from a condition that strikes suddenly and often without warning. As World Stroke Day approaches on October 29, state health officials are renewing their call for awareness, prevention, and quick action in the face of this life-threatening emergency.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), stroke continues to take a heavy toll on the state. In 2023 alone, 11,605 Arkansans suffered a stroke, and 1,852 of them died from the disease. Arkansas currently ranks as having the fourth highest stroke death rate in the nation, a statistic that public health experts say underscores the urgent need for more education and prevention.
“Too many Arkansas families are affected by stroke, but the good news is that many strokes can be prevented,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Chronic Disease Director. “Taking steps like eating healthier, staying active, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure not only reduces your risk of stroke – it improves your overall health and quality of life.”
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Recognizing Stroke Early: The “BE FAST” Reminder
Health professionals stress that recognizing the early warning signs of a stroke can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability—or even death. The ADH promotes a simple way to remember what to look for through the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.:
• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• E – Eyes: Sudden change in vision or trouble seeing.
• F – Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile.
• A – Arm Weakness: One arm feels weak or drifts downward when both arms are raised.
• S – Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.”
• T – Time to call 9-1-1: If any of these signs appear, call for emergency help right away—even if symptoms disappear.
Doctors say the “time” part of the acronym is perhaps the most crucial. Every minute counts because, during a stroke, brain cells die rapidly when they are deprived of oxygen. Swift medical attention can restore blood flow and greatly improve outcomes.
Understanding the Risk Factors
While some strokes happen without warning, many are linked to underlying conditions or habits that can be managed. High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor, responsible for most first-time strokes. Other major risks include transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), sometimes called “mini-strokes,” which can serve as a critical warning that a larger stroke may follow.
Heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (Afib) raise the risk of stroke up to five times compared to those without the condition. Smoking also remains a powerful contributor—current smokers are two to four times more likely to experience a stroke than non-smokers.
Health experts urge Arkansans with these risk factors to stay in touch with their primary care providers and to undergo regular screenings. Early detection and management of blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, and cholesterol can dramatically lower the likelihood of stroke.
Statewide Efforts to Improve Stroke Care
Despite its troubling numbers, Arkansas is taking major steps to improve acute stroke care and ensure that treatment reaches patients faster. Through programs like the Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH) designation, the UAMS Institute for Digital Health and Innovation Stroke Program, and Mercy Telestroke, more hospitals across the state are now equipped to handle stroke emergencies efficiently.
These initiatives focus on building a statewide network of hospitals that meet rigorous standards for emergency stroke care. That includes training staff to identify stroke symptoms immediately, streamlining the process for brain imaging, and ensuring rapid access to life-saving treatments like clot-busting medications or mechanical thrombectomy procedures.
By improving coordination between hospitals and telemedicine systems, Arkansas is steadily reducing the time between symptom onset and treatment—a factor that can determine whether a patient walks again, speaks clearly, or survives at all.
World Stroke Day Event to Raise Awareness
To bring more visibility to the issue, the ADH will host a World Stroke Day event on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside the ADH Public Health Lab at 201 S. Monroe Street in Little Rock. In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled.
The gathering will feature educational exhibits, free health screenings, and a range of interactive activities designed to help the public understand the importance of prevention and quick response. Highlights include the UAMS Mini-Brain exhibit, screenings provided by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC), and educational booths offering resources on healthy living and stroke prevention.
Visitors will also have the chance to meet stroke survivor Eric Treat, who will share his personal story of recovery and resilience. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of both the suddenness of stroke and the strength it takes to rebuild life afterward.
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response Systems (OPERS), UAMS, and the Chronic Disease teams at ADH. Together, these partners hope to empower Arkansans to recognize warning signs, make healthier choices, and act fast in an emergency.
A Call to Action for All Arkansans
Health officials emphasize that while stroke may seem unpredictable, it’s often preventable. Small lifestyle changes—like adding more fruits and vegetables to meals, walking a little more each day, quitting tobacco, or checking blood pressure regularly—can collectively save thousands of lives.
“Knowing the signs and taking action right away can make all the difference,” ADH officials said in a statement. “When someone shows stroke symptoms, every second matters—so don’t wait, BE FAST.”
For more information on stroke prevention, local resources, and emergency care programs across Arkansas, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
As World Stroke Day approaches, the message from Arkansas health leaders is clear: awareness saves lives, and every Arkansan has a role to play in preventing the next stroke.
