Luján, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. – This month, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced a resolution to recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month. The resolution encourages continued coordination and cooperation between the federal government, researchers, families, and the public to improve prognoses by increasing access to timely treatments for individuals who suffer strokes.

“As a stroke survivor, I’ve come to realize that the battle doesn’t end with recovery – it extends to raising awareness,” said Senator Luján. “Stroke awareness is about knowing the signs and understanding the urgency. It’s about turning knowledge into life-saving interventions. In the face of a stroke, every second counts, and awareness isn’t just information – it’s the difference between life and death.”

“I know firsthand that understanding the warning signs of a stroke, and seeking medical attention immediately when symptoms arise, can make all the difference. That’s why I’m working with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to raise awareness, and encourage more collaboration between the medical community and government to enhance access to lifesaving treatment options for Americans,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, yet most adults don’t know the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy at the American Heart Association. “After surviving a stroke, Sen. Luján has been a bold advocate for people around the country by championing policies to ensure equal access to rehabilitation for all people who have suffered a stroke. We thank him for continuing to raise awareness with the introduction of a resolution to recognized May as National Stroke Month.”

“We are pleased to support the Stroke Awareness Month resolution,” said William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief External Innovation and Medical Officer for Johnson & Johnson. “Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for adults worldwide and millions more may be at risk of stroke and other life-threatening cardiovascular conditions as populations age. As a global leader in healthcare, Johnson & Johnson is committed to improving these statistics and elevating the standard of care in cardiovascular diseases, and with our partners, are leading research in areas such as nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and stroke. This resolution would bring much needed action and attention to advance solutions that prevent and treat strokes, improving health outcomes for millions of people.”

In the United States, nearly 795,000 people have a stroke each year, with someone suffering from a stroke every 40 seconds. Today, strokes are now the fifth leading cause of death, costing nearly $53 billion between 2017 and 2018, including the cost of healthcare services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.

Full text of the resolution is available HERE.