Luján Leads Resolution Recognizing May as Stroke Awareness Month

Santa Fe, N.M. – This month, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) is introducing a resolution to recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month. The resolution encourages continued coordination and cooperation between the federal government, researchers, families, and the public to improve prognoses by increasing access to timely treatments for individuals who suffer strokes.

“As a stroke survivor, I’ve learned that the fight doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Going through a stroke showed me how important it is to recognize the signs and act fast,” said Senator Luján. “Stroke awareness is about knowing the signs, acting fast, and understanding that every second matters. In the face of a stroke, awareness isn’t just information — it can be the difference between life and death. I’m grateful to still be here, and I’ll keep using my voice to help others recognize the warning signs and get help in time.”

In the United States, nearly 795,000 people have a stroke each year, with someone suffering from a stroke every 40 seconds. Today, strokes are now the fifth leading cause of death, costing nearly $53 billion between 2017 and 2018, including the cost of healthcare services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.