Shreveport, La. — In an effort to combat Louisiana’s high stroke mortality rate, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana will host the second annual BEFAST Stroke Awareness Event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the BHP Billiton YMCA, located at 3455 Knight Street in Shreveport. The event begins at 9 a.m. and is free and open to the public.
Designed for the entire family, the event will include guest speakers, healthy cooking and exercise demonstrations, and interactive health education stations for both children and adults.
Why Stroke Awareness Matters in Louisiana
Louisiana remains part of the “stroke belt”—a region in the southeastern United States with disproportionately high rates of stroke and stroke-related deaths. With more than 2,700 stroke-related deaths annually, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the state. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are among the key risk factors contributing to this public health crisis.
“Raising awareness is critical in reducing preventable strokes and improving outcomes,” said organizers. “This event empowers individuals and families with tools for both recognition and prevention.”
Understanding BEFAST
The BEFAST acronym is a public health tool designed to help quickly identify stroke symptoms and encourage rapid response:
- B: Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E: Eyes – Sudden blurred or double vision
- F: Face – Drooping on one side of the face or an uneven smile
- A: Arm – Weakness or numbness in one arm
- S: Speech – Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- T: Time – Call 911 immediately
Timely treatment can make a critical difference in survival and recovery outcomes.
A Regional Leader in Stroke Care
Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport is Northwest Louisiana’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, providing advanced, lifesaving care without the need to transfer patients to other medical facilities. The hospital has earned national recognition, including:
- The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval
- American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Comprehensive Stroke Certification
These designations reflect the hospital’s commitment to excellence in stroke care, research, and public education.
About Ochsner LSU Health
A joint partnership between Ochsner Health and LSU Health Shreveport, the Ochsner LSU Health System serves over 140,000 patients annually through more than 20 locations, including outpatient centers, clinics, and three acute care hospitals. It is home to North Louisiana’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, a Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center, and an array of specialty services. The health system employs more than 4,200 professionals and works alongside 950 physicians and residents in over 65 specialties.
For more information on the event or Ochsner LSU Health’s stroke program, visit ochsnerlsuhs.org.