Updated: Sept. 18, 2026
Spot a Stroke, Stop a Stroke, Save a Life. CALL 911.
Stroke Smart is a public health initiative founded by Alan Stillman to increase stroke education efforts, reduce pre-hospital delays, and increase timely transport and treatment for stroke patients. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) EMS and Trauma Section is a Stroke Smart SC partner as a statewide initiative. For more information, please email stroke@dph.sc.gov.
What is a Stroke and How Do I Recognize One?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow in the brain is interrupted.
To recognize a stroke, it's easy to remember: BE FAST. Look for these symptoms:
- loss of Balance, or dizziness,
- Eye changes such as loss of vision,
- Facial drooping,
- Arm weakness or numbness (especially one sided), and
- slurred Speech.
Any sudden onset of any of these symptoms can mean the person is having a stroke. Time is of the essence as millions of brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. So, time = brain and time to call 911!
How Do You Stop a Stroke?
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! Do not drive yourself to the emergency room. Your condition could worsen and you may hurt yourself or others. Don’t call your primary care doctor – this will delay your treatment, and certain stroke treatments are only effective within a short window of time of your first sign of symptoms. Don’t drive someone else to the hospital – some emergency rooms are not equipped to give the necessary treatment, and EMS is trained to know which hospitals are!
Stroke Smart SC
Being stroke smart means being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and know what action to take!
How can I get involved with Stroke Smart SC?
DPH’s Stroke System of Care program currently offers Partner and Champion recognition opportunities.
Stroke Smart Partner
Recognizes businesses and organizations that work to educate their staff and communities about how to spot a stroke, stop a stroke, and save a life. Any organization, large or small, is welcome to join.
Stroke Smart Champion
Recognizes individuals that are committed to teaching others to be stroke smart. Stroke Smart Champions will receive a certificate and can include the Stroke Smart pledge in presentations.
What Does Stroke Smart Success Look Like?
Stroke Smart efforts are gaining momentum across the nation, with Virginia leading the way. This short video from Stroke Smart Virginia illustrates the meaningful work of making each community Stroke Smart and captures the successes of a Stroke Smart State.
Stroke Smart Success Stories
A success story occurs when someone uses their intervention knowledge to recognize the signs of a stroke, acts right away, and improves someone's outcome. Sharing these successes is a way to show the impact of Stroke Smart SC efforts.