Stroke awareness month: a healthcare marketer’s guide

Rachel had no idea that she would have a stroke when she was only 42 years old. While making lunch for her kids, she felt weak and numb in her right arm for a short time. She called 911 right away because she remembered seeing an ad for stroke awareness on the internet. That move saved her life.

Rachel’s story shows us how powerful efforts to raise awareness about stroke really are.

When it comes to strokes, every second counts. Stroke Awareness Month is a one-of-a-kind chance for healthcare marketers to educate people about the risks and symptoms of strokes.  Effective stroke awareness efforts help people understand:

• Risk factors
• The value of prevention
• The importance of reacting quickly

What makes these efforts work? Let’s take a closer look.

Why stroke awareness campaign marketing matters

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke (CDC).
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. (American Stroke Association).

The major risk factors for stroke are all too common: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Highlighting them in your stroke campaign marketing is an important part of preventing strokes.

Blood flow to the brain is interrupted during a stroke. So, it’s critical to help people recognize early signs of a stroke so they can seek treatment quickly.  

Powerful marketing campaigns can engage patients, making them active participants in their healthcare journey rather than mere spectators.

Strategies for successful stroke awareness campaigns

1.      Leverage digital channels to boost engagement.

Interesting and short material like testimonial videos, eye-catching images, and interesting stories can greatly expand your message and effectively reach more people.

2.      Personalize treatment messaging for greater impact.

Target your messages to address specific behaviors and risk factors in your community. Content that feels personally relevant is more likely to spark engagement.

3.      Collaborate with local organizations for wider reach.

Local partnerships are the key to the success of community health projects. They expand your reach and build credibility.  

4.      Activate patient engagement through education.

Host interactive workshops, virtual Q&A sessions, or live social media chats. Include opportunities for people to ask questions so by the end they feel empowered to take charge of their health.

5.      Put technology to work.

Health risk assessments (HRAs) can be a powerful tool for engagement and education. They offer valuable insights into personal risks for strokes and prompt immediate action.

30,000+ people took an Unlock stroke risk assessment in 2024.

Consider adding HRAs to your existing SEM strategy. You’ll help people already searching for stroke-related information to better understand their risk.

Stay ahead of the curve on health awareness months

You’ll never miss a health awareness month when you download our free calendar. It can help you keep track of upcoming observances, and it highlights corresponding HRAs that can amplify your campaigns.