Strategic America collaborates with American Heart Association to raise Iowans’ awareness of stroke symptoms and response
West Des Moines, Iowa (Oct. 29, 2024) – World Stroke Day Oct. 29 is a time to raise awareness of stroke and its symptoms to save lives. To help achieve that goal and boost survival rates in Iowa, Strategic America (SA) collaborated with the American Heart Association (AHA) and its Mission: Lifeline® Stroke initiative to develop a state-wide awareness campaign.
“Face the Facts: The Unexpected Truth About Stroke” highlights the surprising reality of who is at risk and the importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke and getting help immediately. The campaign features real-life survivors sharing their stories, the symptoms they experienced and the actions of those around them that contributed to their survival. The campaign includes print ads, video, paid and organic social and outdoor.
“It’s incredibly moving to listen to these survivors share their stories,” said SA Executive Creative Director Chris Bettin. “One of the survivors was only 12 years old when she experienced her stroke, which emphasizes this can happen to anyone, at any age, and why everyone needs to be educated on the symptoms and urgency of getting help.”
Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. Globally, about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. However, most adults in the United States don’t know the warning signs of stroke. AHA is committed to educating the public on the F.A.S.T. warning signs so anyone can save a life from a stroke.
- F= Face drooping—Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person you may think is experiencing a stroke to smile. Is the person’s smile even?
- A=Arm weakness—Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S=Speech difficulty—Is speech slurred?
- T=Time to call 911—Stroke is an Every minute counts, you should call 911 immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appear.
For more information on prevention, risk factors, living with stroke symptoms and additional resources, visit www.facestrokeheadon.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 — our Centennial year — we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect
with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Strategic America
Strategic America (SA) is an employee-owned, integrated marketing firm specializing in multi-location marketing, brand building and customer engagement. Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, and representing a diverse set of clients that span multiple industries and geographies, Strategic America builds brands by using strategy and insights to power engagement and results. SA has earned the 4A’s Workplace Enlightenment certification and is ranked in the top fifteen percent of all independent agencies nationwide. SA is a member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Learn more at www.strategicamerica.com.
