National Stroke Association

National Stroke Association was formed in 1984 as a non-profit healthcare organization focusing 100 percent of its resources on stroke. The organization is based in Centennial, Colorado. In 2006, the Annals of Neurology published National Stroke Association’s guidelines for the management of transient ischemic attacks. The final recommendations concluded that a TIA patient needs urgent evaluation and treatment. The organization offers a variety of programs focused on informing the public about strokes, and supporting the victims of stroke and their caregivers. Careliving is an online social network targeting caregivers of stroke survivors, making information and resources available to them. NSA offers a series of webinars, called iHope, which are tailored to assist stroke survivors and caregivers by equipping them with the knowledge to take an active role in their post-stroke recovery. The Stroke Advocacy Network provides a venue for stroke survivors, caregivers and other stroke champions to communicate directly with elected officials. To raise awareness of the condition, the NSA has initiated several campaigns. Faces of Stroke was launched in 2011 to show the personal side of strokes, featuring victims of stroke and their families. It highlights the symptoms of stroke, and has featured some celebrity spokespeople such as Henry Winkler. The organization, along with the American Heart Association spearheaded the efforts to have May declared "National Stroke Awareness Month", which was accomplished when President George H.W. Bush signed an official proclamation in May 1989. In 2011 the NSA instituted the "Raising Awareness in Stroke Excellence Awards" (RAISE), which recognize groups and individuals for their efforts to raise awareness about stroke.