The “Down with Blood Pressure!” campaign was part of Stroke Awareness Week, 7 – 13 September 2009. In partnership with Lions Clubs and St John, the Stroke Foundation set up approximately 110 “blood pressure sites” - mainly in participating New World and PakN Save supermarkets - across the country on Saturday, 12 September 2009. These sites provided information to the general public on stroke, high blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke, along with the offer of a free blood pressure check. Early analysis of incoming data indicates that between 10,000 - 12,000 people visited the sites. Of these, many were unaware of their current blood pressure levels, and a higher number than expected had elevated blood pressure readings. A full campaign evaluation report will be available in late October.

Stroke is a medical emergency! The sooner a stroke is recognized and treated the more likely that damage to the brain is reduced and the more chance of a better recovery. The FAST check helps us recognize the signs of stroke and prompts us to act FAST by calling 111. This section offers more detail on FAST and the ongoing FAST campaign.

Our mission is to reduce risk and improve outcomes. We continue to push for higher standards of stroke acute and rehabilitation services throughout New Zealand. This section includes many of the steps we have taken in this ongoing campaign.

The Stroke Foundation is increasing their focus on dietary salt reduction as a way of reducing risks for high blood pressure – a leading cause of stroke. This section looks at issues to do with salt and our work in this area.