Every May we recognize National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the leading cause of long-term disability. It is also largely preventable—80% of strokes are preventable—if you understand the risk factors and warning signs and take action.
For health systems, hospitals, and clinics, National Stroke Awareness Month can be a great opportunity to drive awareness of your treatment options and get patients in for regular checkups. Here are some example digital marketing tactics you can use to participate in Stroke Awareness Month and drive at-risk patients to book appointments.
1. Create a Digital Resource Hub
Use your website to assemble a collection of articles about identifying symptoms, treatment options, research, and more. Be sure to highlight the expertise of your staff or the unique capabilities of your facilities. Two great resources for healthcare practitioners looking to further evidence-based policies and stroke facts:
- The CDC's Stroke Resource Guide
- American Stroke Association Stroke Resource Library
2. Leverage Stats and Facts About Stroke
Share a series of statistics and facts about stroke, including the risks, signs, symptoms, and diagnosis prospects on social media. Assemble the series into an infographic. Some recent stats on stroke to use in the campaign:
- Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.
- Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death in men and the 3rd leading cause of death in women.
- Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can—and do—occur at any age.
3. Offer a Free Stroke Health Risk Assessment
Build a campaign that leads patients to an educational and engaging tool that lets them evaluate their specific risk of stroke. A stroke-specific health risk assessment offers a guided, engaging learning experience for patients to self-identify the health and lifestyle factors that may contribute to their risk, and provides the appropriate next steps for them to take in their health journey.
Interested in more promotion tips for stroke awareness? Download the full tip sheet for 3 additional promotion ideas, as well as additional resources, hashtags, and social media profiles to follow during Stroke Awareness Month.
