Published on April 29, 2025

CentraCare Recognizes Stroke Awareness Month with Events & Education

graphic of B.E.F.A.S.T.Stroke Awareness Month is here, and it's time to take action to prevent strokes while also promoting better understanding of how to detect a stroke and supporting stroke survivors. CentraCare will be hosting two impactful events this May: Unmasking Brain Injury Art Project on May 6 and the Strides for Stroke Walk on May 17.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in Minnesota. When you or someone you love has a stroke, fast access to the best possible stroke care is critical to minimizing its long-term effects and even preventing death. Remember BEFAST!

  • Balance loss
  • Eyesight changes
  • Face weakness
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time is brain, time to call 911, seek medical help

To reduce your risk of stroke, regulate your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.

In 2024, CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital demonstrated exceptional stroke care, achieving significant milestones in treatment efficiency, while caring for patients across Minnesota.

  • St. Cloud Hospital provided care for more than 1,000 confirmed stroke patients.
  • Nearly 60% of patients arriving to St. Cloud Hospital with strokes qualifying for IV thrombolytic treatment were treated within 30 minutes; this exceeds the national goal of 50%.
  • More than 75% of patients arriving to St. Cloud Hospital eligible for thrombectomy were treated within the time goals established by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The national goal for this patient population is 50%.
  • St. Cloud Hospital and the Stroke Vascular providers supports a broad telestroke service throughout Minnesota with 20 sites located in rural areas.

Unmasking Brain Injury Mask Making

Few people understand the personal impact brain injury can have. Its effects often are subtle and difficult to express. Did you know that a stroke is classified as a non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI)? To help individuals share their stroke and/or brain injury experiences through art, the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance and CentraCare Neurosciences Stroke Center are hosting a mask-making event.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
  • Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
  • Location: Whitney Senior Center, Herberger Room, 1527 Northway Dr, St. Cloud
  • RSVP: 320-255-7245
  • Cost: FREE (All materials provided)

This event is part of the Unmasking Brain Injury in Minnesota project, a statewide community-based art initiative that has enlisted the participation of over a thousand individuals living with the effects of brain injury. Unmasking allows individuals affected by brain injury to design masks that communicate their unique perspectives and altered outlooks.

All are welcome to participate, whether you are a brain injury or stroke survivor, caregiver, professional, family member, or friend. Participants will decorate a mask, which will travel across the state to raise awareness about the effects of brain injury.

Strides for Stroke Walk

Strides for Stroke not only gives families and friends time to honor stroke survivors and walk in solidarity with one another, it also brings awareness and helps fund programs that benefit Minnesotans who live with the effects of stroke.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
  • Location: CentraCare Health Plaza, 1900 CentraCare Circle, St. Cloud
  • Time: 9:45 a.m. - Announcements and stroke honoree recognition; 10 a.m. - Walk start time

Join CentraCare for these events to support and bring awareness to individuals living with the effects of brain injury and stroke.