Dignity Health Central Coast to Raise Stroke Awareness at Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday, May 1

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. April 28, 2025 – Want to learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke? Dignity Health Central Coast will be at the Downtown Farmers' Market on Thursday, May 1, from 6-9 p.m. 

Staff from Marian Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, and French Hospital Medical Center will be there promoting Stroke Awareness Month. Stop by our booth to learn about stroke symptoms and why getting help fast is so important!

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Dignity Health Central Coast is committed to empowering the community with the knowledge and resources needed to help save lives. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability, but early recognition and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

At the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, staff from Dignity Health hospitals will share information about stroke risk factors and prevention and educate attendees on the "B.E. F.A.S.T." acronym, a simple tool for recognizing stroke symptoms:

Balance: Sudden loss of balance

Eyes: Sudden vision changes

Face: Facial drooping

Arm: Arm weakness

Speech: Speech difficulty

Time: Time to call 911

The Dignity Health team will also be able to provide resources on stroke care and rehabilitation services offered at Marian Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, and French Hospital Medical Center. Dignity Health is a sponsor of the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, which spans five blocks of Higuera Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

"Dignity Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality stroke care to our community," said Sean Quinn, Stroke Coordinator and Assistant Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department at French Hospital. "By raising awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of acting quickly, we can help save lives and improve outcomes for those affected by this devastating condition. Stroke treatments are most effective within the first few hours after symptoms start. Every minute counts – ‘Time is Brain.’” 

Dignity Health Central Coast encourages all community members to visit their booth at the Downtown SLO Farmer's Market on May 1 to learn more about stroke awareness and how to protect themselves and their loved ones. There will also be a raffle to win gift certificates to local restaurants and giveaways at the Dignity Health booth.

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About Dignity Health Central Coast
Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.