INDIANA – While stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, it has a disproportionate impact on Hispanic people. Among Hispanic women, it is the third leading cause of death, and among Hispanic men, it is the fourth leading cause of death.
The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, attributes this disparity to unmanaged health risk factors, limited access to health care, lower health literacy rates, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic determinants of health. To address these issues, the American Stroke Association has launched a new culturally relevant Spanish-language website called DerrameCerebral.org.
The website is designed for the Hispanic and Latino community and includes a digital series of games and activities called the R.Á.P.I.D.O. Experience. This initiative aims to educate users on recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and provides accessible resources on stroke prevention, risk factors, warning signs, treatment, and recovery. The website also offers survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals life-saving information. This effort is part of the Association’s ongoing commitment to provide a digital experience to all communities and advocate for better health outcomes.
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention, emphasized the importance of addressing the specific language needs of the Hispanic and Latino community to ensure prompt medical attention in the event of a stroke. The new website and Spanish language experience reflect the Association’s dedication to expanding outreach to communities at the highest risk for stroke and other cardiovascular issues. By incorporating cultural relevance, the website aims to develop tools and resources to support the Hispanic and Latino community and improve health outcomes.
As part of its efforts, the American Stroke Association previously launched a Hispanic and Latino stroke warning signs campaign, introducing the Spanish stroke acronym R.Á.P.I.D.O. The campaign encourages people to remember the signs of a stroke using the acronym:
✓ R – Rostro caído (Face drooping)
✓ Á – Álteración del equilibrio (Loss of Balance, or Lack of Coordination)
✓ P – Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo (Arm weakness)
✓ I – Impedimento visual repentino (Sudden vision difficulty)
✓ D – Dificultad para hablar (Slurred or Strange Speech)
✓ O – Obtén ayuda, llama al 911 (Get help, call 911)
For more information about R.Á.P.I.D.O. and stroke awareness, you can visit www.DerrameCerebral.org.
