May is American Stroke Month 

For more than a century, the American Heart Association® has been committed to helping people live longer, healthier lives. This May, we are expanding that mission with curated toolkits with robust professional and patient stroke related education. We will also be offering continuing education activities to provide additional stroke-focused learning for you and your teams.
May is American stroke awareness month

Resources From the Heart

Utilize these tools to engage with your internal teams and patients during the month of May. Looking for more ways to get involved? Explore our quality improvement and research opportunities below!  

Stroke Month Toolkit
for Hospitals


Download resources for your organization's American Stroke Month programming.

Celebrate Your Team

Show your appreciation for the stroke champions in your organization by distributing these "Stroke Champion" pins!

The American Heart Association Second Annual Virtual Stroke Forum

Advancing Practice and Empowering Optimal Outcomes - A Continuing Education Activity

The American Heart Association® is proud to present our second annual Virtual Stroke Forum event. Join leading experts in stroke care for a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to improve your patient care across the full spectrum of stroke presentations. This accredited conference delivers the latest updates in the 2026 Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines, complex case discussions, emerging research insights, and practical strategies you can apply immediately. Whether you manage adult, pediatric or high-risk stroke populations, this program equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to advance patient outcomes.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM CT| FEE $30

 

Join Us for A Multi-Session Agenda: 

• Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines 2026: Top Ten Things to Know!
• Stroke & Pregnancy Clinical Challenges
• Pediatric Stroke: Not Just Tiny Adults
• Post Stroke Aphasia: Communication Strategies for the Non-Speech Language Pathologist
• OPTIMISTmain Trial: Science to Implementation
• aSAH Management and Approaches to Referral and Treatment

Why Attend?

Get the Latest 2026 Acute Ischemic Stroke Guideline Updates
Strengthen Clinical Expertise Across Complex and Underserved Populations
Improve Communication and Care for Post Stroke Patients
Translate Research Into Practice—Including OPTIMISTmain Results
Advance Skills in High Risk, High Complexity Stroke Emergencies

The Rural Stroke Readiness Blueprint Coordinating Emergency Care 

Tuesday, June 9| 11:00 - 12:30 pm CT

Join us for this continuing education activity, which provides an in‑depth, evidence‑based review of acute stroke management tailored specifically for rural care environments. Participants will explore the latest updates in ischemic stroke and ICH care, with emphasis on leveraging telestroke services, optimizing diagnostic pathways, pediatric stroke and implementing efficient transfer workflows.

The course also highlights emerging innovations, practical tools, and real‑world case studies that improve time‑sensitive decision‑making and enhance overall quality performance in rural health systems. Through expert presentations and interactive discussion, learners will gain practical strategies to strengthen stroke readiness, improve adherence to national guidelines, and drive measurable quality improvement. 

REGISTER FOR THE RURAL STROKE READINESS BLUEPRINT COORDINATING EMERGENCY CARE

Door-in-Door Out Times and Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

DIDO Webinar

On Demand
Join us as two of the main authors of Door-in-door-out times and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke transferred for endovascular therapy in the USA: a retrospective cohort study
unpack the study, the process and what their findings mean for improving patient care.

REGISTER FOR DOOR-IN-DOOR-OUT TIMES AND OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE (link opens in new window)(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window)

Public-Facing Resources
& B.E. F.A.S.T. Materials

Beginning this May 2026, the American Stroke Association will adopt the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym as part of its consumer education campaigns on stroke warning signs. This transition reflects a commitment to helping the public more easily recognize the signs of stroke and act quickly. Guided by research, growing adoption in the field, and a focus on clarity and consistency, the update supports a unified approach across the stroke community to strengthen awareness and save lives. When it comes to spotting stroke and getting help, the faster, the better. Share these B.E F.A.S.T. resources with patients and family to spread awareness, position as a leader, and better equip your community.  Visit our pages and download your B.E. F.A.S.T. resources.

Learn More

Moving Patients Forward After a Stroke

Preventing falls

Preventing Falls

Discover practical, science‑based fall prevention tips for stroke survivors to improve safety, confidence, mobility, and independence at home and in daily life.

Back to work after stroke

Return to Work

 

Returning to work after a stroke can be a daunting decision for stroke survivors. Find resources to help guide and support them as they return to the workplace.

Stroke Support Group

Support Group Lesson Modules

These ready to use lesson modules are designed to help you establish and lead meaningful, engaging stroke support groups. Each module provides a complete package, including a presentation with guided discussion questions, a short video, and supporting materials to encourage peer connection, learning, and ongoing support.

Health Care Stroke Certification

Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification

The American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation certification recognizes facilities with stroke programs that meet evidence-based standards. Certified sites deliver specialized, high-quality support and help improve outcomes and ensure smoother transitions from facility to home or community.

Learn More About Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification

Hospital Certifications

Hospitals play a critical role in delivering consistent, high-quality stroke care. In collaboration with The Joint Commission, the American Heart Association offers stroke certifications that support aligned systems of care. Certification recognizes hospitals meeting rigorous, evidence-based standards for specialized care. Certified hospitals ensure patients receive reliable, guideline-driven treatment from admission through recovery.

Learn More About Stroke Hospital Certifications(link opens in new window)

 

Professional Stroke Certification

Individual Professional Certification

The Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA) credential validates that an individual is knowledgeable in specialized areas and has followed the Association’s rigorous, science-backed requirements. 

Designed to complement continuing education, certification validates expertise as a trusted care provider. Currently, three-year certifications are offered in telehealth, telehealth stroke, stroke coordinator, digital health in cardiac care and tobacco treatment. 

About Stroke Coordinator

About Telehealth Stroke

 

 

Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke

Following evidence-based guidelines improves outcomes. These tools and resources make it easier to provide consistent quality care.
female doctor standing in a clinic with other healthcare professionals
Rural America

Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator was Extended to 2028!

The American Heart Association has extended its Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator through June 2028, reaffirming its commitment to improving cardiovascular and stroke care in rural communities nationwide. Launched in 2022, the initiative helps close persistent gaps between rural and urban health outcomes by expanding access to Get With The Guidelines®, the Association’s evidence‑based quality improvement programs.

The extension provides new rural hospitals with no‑cost, three‑year enrollment opportunities in programs focused on coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke, with critical access hospitals eligible for all five Get With The Guidelines programs. Participating hospitals also receive dedicated quality improvement consultants, peer‑to‑peer networking, learning collaboratives, and tailored educational resources.

Read full press release: Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator extended to 2028 | American Heart Association 

Join the Conversation

Use #AHAstrokemonth to celebrate achievements in quality stroke care across the country.