At the recent County Commissioners meeting, County Commissioners presented visitors from University of Maryland Medical Systems with a proclamation declaring Queen Anne’s County a stroke smart county.
1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime, and 80% of families are affected by this serious health issue. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability, creating a significant financial burden on individuals, families, and society.
We are proud to announce that Queen Anne's County is becoming a Stroke Smart County! We are committed to educating everyone about the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and calling 911 immediately. Life-saving treatments must be administered within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset, yet many people don't get to the hospital in time because they don't know how to spot a stroke.
Our schools will be incorporating the "Stroke Smart: Spot-a-Stroke, Stop-a-Stroke, Save-a-Life" program into their training for students, faculty, and families. All health and safety-focused entities in Queen Anne's County, including clinics, medical practices, pharmacies, EMS, and social services, will participate in improving stroke literacy.
We encourage the entire community—businesses, civic organizations, senior communities, faith-based organizations, and all residents—to join this campaign. Together, we can make a difference and set a model for other communities nationwide.
Let's work together to reduce the onset-to-911 interval and advance the vision of a Stroke Smart America. Remember, recognizing the signs and acting FAST can save lives. For more information visit https://www.miemss.org/home/hospitals/stroke-resources