We know that 40% of Australians would not recognise the signs if they or someone they love was having a stroke.
Without that recognition and the urgent medical treatment that is needed, stroke can cause death or permanent disability.
That is why it is so important that everyone understand what to do in a stroke emergency.
Stroke Foundation has asked the South Australian Government to invest in an education and awareness program which will help everyone recognise the signs of stroke and know what to do to get help.
Download Stroke Foundation's South Australian Election Platform to find out more.
How you can help
Our health system has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and health funding priorities have had to adapt to cope. But chronic diseases like stroke will continue to impact thousands of South Australians long after COVID-19’s impact has eased.
We need to make sure stroke remains on the agenda and that the state’s government chooses to support the estimated 2100 South Australians who will have a stroke next year.
We have asked Members of Parliament to consider investing $800,000 over four years for a Stroke Foundation F.A.S.T education and advertising campaign.
Lived experience is a powerful story. It is important for Members to hear directly from the stroke community. If you have the opportunity to talk to your local Member, please let them know you support Stroke Foundation’s request.
Tips for contacting your local Member
Emailing your local Member can be daunting, however, it’s important to remember they are elected by you to represent you.
- Find your local Member of Parliament by searching the South Australian Electoral Commission website.
- Share some details about yourself (whatever you are comfortable with).
- Share your F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) story, or your connection with stroke.
- Reflect on your experience with Stroke Foundation or F.A.S.T, or how improvements to stroke awareness, prevention and treatment would have helped you or your community.
- Keep it brief, you’ll be more likely to get a response!
- Share some details about yourself (whatever you are comfortable with).
If you have questions or need any support, please get in touch with Stroke Foundation at fightstroke@strokefoundation.org.au
Example email
It’s best if you personalise your email as much as possible. But here is an example to get you started:
Dear [member],
My name is [Insert name] and I am a stroke survivor who lives in [Insert electorate/ suburb].
[Insert your F.A.S.T. story or connection with stroke here].
I know the Stroke Foundation is seeking your party’s commitment for funding which it will use to raise awareness about the signs of stroke, and to highlight the importance of getting urgent medical attention.
I support this initiative because the faster people get treatment, the more likely they will recovery well from stroke.
Stroke does not have to be such a burden on South Australia’s health economy but that will only change if more people have the opportunity to recover well, spend less time in hospital, and require less ongoing care.
Acting F.A.S.T can make the difference.
As an elected member of our next Government, you can personally make a difference.
I look forward to hearing how you will support my community and play a part in reducing the economic burden stroke places on our health system.
Regards,
[Insert name]
What happens next?
Thanks for taking direct action on our behalf! After you’ve contacted your local Member of Parliament, please contact us on fightstroke@strokefoundation.org.au to let us know.
Other ways to advocate
There are plenty of other ways to spread messaging. You can reach out to your local Member of Parliament via social media or take the opportunity of a face-to-face conversation.
You might like to get in contact with them via email or social media and ask if they are hosting any community meetings throughout their campaign that you could attend.
If you would like support organising a meeting with your local Member of Parliament, you can contact Stroke Foundation on fightstroke@strokefoundation.org.au or call 03 9670 1000.
Stroke Foundation does not endorse to support specific political parties or candidates. Our interest is in ensuring all Government’s understand the impact stroke has on our health system and chooses to fund the programs and services which focus on the prevention and treatment of stroke.