The Colorado Stroke Advisory Board is determined to improve stroke care in the state, and is pleased to support stroke awareness efforts especially during May which has been designated as American Stroke Month. We know that Coloradans can do their part to prevent and recognize stroke during #strokemonth.
Remember, time lost is brain lost! It is very important to get anyone experiencing a stroke emergency care as soon as possible. Learn more how to recognize a stroke here and how to #befast.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in Colorado and across the U.S., but many people don’t realize just how preventable it can be. Prevention isn’t just about avoiding a first stroke—it’s also about reducing the risk of a second one, which can be even more severe. By focusing on managing blood pressure, staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco, we can make meaningful progress in lowering stroke risk across communities. The Colorado Stroke Advisory Board encourages our visitors to check out stories from stroke heroes here.
Equally important is awareness. Recognizing the early warning signs of stroke—like sudden numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking—and acting quickly can save lives. For those who have already experienced a stroke, staying engaged with follow-up care and prevention strategies is essential for recovery and long-term wellness.
The Colorado Stroke Advisory Board is proud to support Stroke Awareness Month this May. We are deeply grateful for the providers, community leaders, caregivers, and individuals across the state who work every day to raise awareness, improve care, and support prevention efforts. Together, we can build a healthier Colorado—one that takes stroke seriously and acts early.
We asked our board members during our last meeting, “what is one thing you wish the public knew about stroke?” Here are some of our answers:
- Vice Chair Dr. Gautam Sachdeva: Recovery timelines can change based on the intervention to treat the stroke.
- Chair Sara Minott: There is a diversity of research in rehabilitation, support groups and other therapies.
- Member Dr. Sean Pauzaskie: Post stroke care is actively improving, with new therapies like vagal nerve stimulation, exoskeletons, implantable BCIs, and transmagnetic stimulation.
- Member Rodney Lie: There can be an increase in risk of stroke with Marijuana use.
- Many of our members advocate for stroke patients to be involved with support groups throughout their recovery.
- Admin Liaison Dee Trivedi: Stroke doesn’t have to be a death sentence and with the advances in treatment over the last two to three decades, quality of life has improved.
Read more about stroke below:
Colorado Stroke Advisory Board 