Hello everyone,
I am proud to share that I am a stroke survivor—and this year, I will be participating in the upcoming Heart Walk to raise awareness and funds for stroke prevention and recovery. Having experienced firsthand how life can change in an instant, I know that stroke can impact anyone, no matter where we live or who we are. Your support means so much, not just to me, but to countless others whose lives have been touched by stroke. Together, let's make a difference!
About 11,600 Arkansans experience a stroke each year, and roughly 1,850 die from stroke annually. This comes from recent Arkansas Department of Health data showing:
- 11,605 strokes in Arkansas in 2023
- 1,852 stroke deaths in 2023
- That’s about 32 Arkansans hospitalized for stroke every day
These numbers make stroke the 5th leading cause of death in Arkansas and place the state near the top nationally for stroke mortality.
Arkansas is part of the Stroke Belt, which means our families, our churches, our barbershops, and our neighborhoods carry a heavier burden of stroke than most of the country. When we know the risk, we can change the outcome. Awareness saves lives — especially here at home.
It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.