Experts urge symptom awareness during National Stroke Awareness Month

Monroe, Ga. (May 12, 2026) - Piedmont Walton health experts are urging the community to act quickly when it comes to stroke recognition and prevention, wanting people to understand that early action can save lives and reduce long-term disability.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, making it a leading cause of serious and long-term disability. Still, less than half of Americans can identify the major warning signs and respond appropriately.

“Education and early intervention can make a significant difference in long-term health outcomes,” said Susie Payne, ACM-RN, RN community nurse educator and Walton County YMCA partner.

One of the most important, and often overlooked, risk factors is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

To help raise awareness and promote prevention, all community members are invited to attend a free educational session on blood pressure management, which is one of the most critical factors in stroke prevention.

Hypertension and Stroke Prevention Event
May 21, 2026
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monroe-Walton County Library, 217 W Spring Street, Monroe, Ga.

During the event, participants will learn how to monitor and manage blood pressure, explore lifestyle changes to help reduce stroke risk and hear about the library’s blood pressure monitor lending program, which allows individuals to check out blood pressure monitors for up to three days using their library card. The lending program is available across Azalea Regional Library System locations through a partnership with Augusta University.

When blood pressure remains consistently elevated, it damages artery walls, leading to narrowing, blockage or weakening of blood vessels. This process increases the likelihood of blood clots and ruptures, both of which are primary causes of stroke.

“Controlling blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to reduce stroke risk,” said Jake Conner, Walton County Family and Consumer Sciences agent.

Early recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate medical attention are critical. Payne recommends using the BEFAST acronym to identify warning signs:

• B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
• F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A — Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S — Speech: Is speech slurred, confused or difficult to understand?
• T — Time: If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately

Even if symptoms go away, it is essential to seek medical care right away. These episodes may be transient ischemic attacks, often called “mini strokes,” which can signal a more serious stroke risk, and the patient should be taken to the closest emergency department for treatment.

For more information or to register for the event, contact Jake Conner at Jake.Conner20@uga.edu or call the Walton County Extension office at 770.267.1324.