Stroke Awareness Month: Time Lost Is Brain Lost
May 04, 2026
By Jesse Martinez, MSN, RN, CMSRN
Stroke Coordinator
Memorial Medical Center
Every May, Stroke Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of how critical it is to recognize the signs of stroke and act quickly. At Memorial Medical Center, stroke awareness is not just a monthly message. It is part of our daily commitment to the patients and families we serve here in Las Cruces and our surrounding communities.
Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, early recognition and rapid treatment are critical to improving outcomes. That is why education and awareness are vitally important.
Day in and day out at Memorial Medical Center, our clinical teams see firsthand how quickly stroke can change a life. We also see how fast action can make all the difference.
The most important step is recognizing the signs and acting immediately.
We use the acronym BE FAST to help identify stroke symptoms:
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
Arms: Arm or leg weakness, especially on one side
Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
Time: Time to call 911 immediately
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away. Do not wait. Do not drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital. Emergency medical services can begin care immediately and notify the hospital, so they are ready the moment you arrive.
Time lost is brain lost. During a stroke, nearly 2 million brain cells can die each minute without treatment. Acting quickly can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability.
At Memorial Medical Center, our stroke program is built on nationally recognized, guideline-based care aligned with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing rapid assessment, imaging, and treatment when every second matters.
When it comes to strokes, just as important as treatment is prevention. Managing high blood pressure, controlling diabetes, staying active, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce your risk of stroke. A free stroke risk assessment is conveniently available on our website at mmclc.org/stroke.
This Stroke Awareness Month, we encourage everyone in our community to learn the signs of stroke and share them with family and friends. Being prepared and taking action could save a life.