For more than a decade, Rapides Regional Medical Center has been turning the buzz of high school football jamborees into a platform for stroke awareness, reaching parents, grandparents, coaches and young athletes alike.
At each event, volunteers hand out brightly colored fans that double as educational tools, listing the signs of a stroke and tips for staying cool in the summer heat.
A Fan‑Driven Approach to Stroke Awareness
Toni Burton, the hospital’s Stroke Coordinator, explains that the campaign hinges on the ‘BE FAST’ acronym — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time — to help anyone spot the sudden changes that signal a stroke.
When any of those symptoms appear, the message is clear: call 911 immediately. Waiting for symptoms to improve or driving oneself to the emergency department can cost critical minutes.
The upcoming schedule includes a jamboree in Pineville on August 28, followed by appearances at Alexandria Senior High, Menard and Tioga High School on September 4 and 11, giving families multiple chances to engage.
Beyond symptom education, the fans serve a practical purpose, offering relief from the sweltering sun while reinforcing the life‑saving message each time they are opened.