DPH Highlights Stroke Smart SC Effort for World Stroke Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 29, 2026
On World Stroke Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is emphasizing the importance of knowing how to spot a stroke and what steps to take next.
South Carolina ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for the highest death rate due to stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Strokes accounted for 21,623 emergency department visits in South Carolina in 2023.
Led by DPH’s EMS and Trauma Section, in partnership with the national Stroke Smart movement, Stroke Smart SC is a public health initiative focused on educating South Carolinians to spot signs of stroke, stop progression, and save lives.
“When someone is having a stroke, every second counts, and knowing what to look for empowers each of us to act quickly when it matters most,” said Allison McElveen, DPH EMS Section's Stroke/ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)/Sepsis Program Coordinator. “We encourage all South Carolinians to learn the signs of stroke, because that knowledge can make a lifesaving difference in our families, our communities, and across our state.”
The BE‑FAST acronym helps fast recognition of stroke symptoms:
- Balance issues or dizziness
- Eye problems, like sudden vision loss
- Facial drooping
- Arm weakness or numbness
- Slurred or unusual Speech
- Time—call 911 immediately
In addition to teaching the signs of a stroke, the Stroke Smart SC webpage offers critical information about why calling 911 rather than self-transporting saves critical time in the event of a stroke and how EMS and hospitals work together to improve outcomes.
Additionally, DPH encourages businesses, organizations, and individuals to join the Stroke Smart SC initiative by becoming Stroke Smart Partners and Stroke Smart Champions.
Businesses and organizations, large and small, are encouraged to educate their staff and communities about how to spot a stroke, stop a stroke, and save a life to earn designation as a Stroke Smart Partner. Individuals committed to teaching others to be stroke smart can receive a Stroke Smart Champion certificate.
South Carolina’s Stroke System of Care
DPH, along with the SC Stroke Advisory Council, comprised of volunteer physicians, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and nurses, work diligently to collaborate with all hospitals, EMS agencies and rehab centers to ensure that South Carolina has a Stroke System of Care.
This system of care is a network of definitive healthcare facilities that provide a spectrum of care for all stroke patients, such as prevention, access, EMS, acute hospital care, rehabilitation and research activities. The current system is comprised of four separate regions (Upstate, Pee Dee, Midlands and Lowcountry) in order to identify patterns and ways to improve outcomes based on the specific needs for each region.
The regionalized method of the Stroke System of Care promotes stroke prevention in South Carolina and provides a comprehensive approach to the various trends and demographics in communities across our state.
More information regarding strokes can be found on the DPH's stroke webpage.
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DPH Highlights Stroke Smart SC Effort for World Stroke Day
View AllDPH Highlights Stroke Smart SC Effort for World Stroke Day
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 29, 2026On World Stroke Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is emphasizing the importance of knowing how to spot a stroke and what steps to take next.
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