Over the past year, neurologists from St. Michael’s Hospital and the Southeast Toronto Stroke Network (SETSN) have been collaborating with local non-English radio stations to increase awareness and prevention of strokes. This initiative is part of the Stroke Program’s commitment to providing inclusive stroke care and education in the diverse Toronto area.

These radio interviews, conducted in six different languages, aim to bridge the gap in accessible stroke information across Ontario. Statistics reveal that there are over 100,000 stroke cases in Canada annually, yet 3 in 10 Canadians are unable to identify the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Recognizing these signs promptly and seeking treatment can significantly improve outcomes as stroke is a time-sensitive medical emergency.

Listen to the Stroke Q&A’s on local non-English radio stations

The Stroke Program has recognized language barriers as a challenge due to Ontario's large immigrant population. Michelle Mohan, SETSN program coordinator, emphasized the program's efforts to enhance awareness and education as part of their commitment to health equity in stroke care.

Utilizing the diverse language skills of St. Michael’s neurologists, the radio interviews have covered Tagalog, Spanish, Hindi, Mandarin, French, and most recently, Urdu. These interviews focus on three main messages: recognizing stroke signs, the importance of calling 911 immediately, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Atif Zafar, the medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Program at St. Michael’s, highlighted the significance of addressing common questions from different cultural-linguistic communities. The interviews aim to not only raise awareness but also provide valuable information tailored to each community's needs.

Engaging with local communities through these radio interviews is a vital aspect of the Stroke Program's holistic approach to stroke care. Dr. Zafar emphasized the importance of educating the public on recognizing basic stroke symptoms alongside advanced medical interventions.

Partnering with non-English radio stations has proven to be an effective strategy in reaching diverse communities and sharing essential information that may not be accessible through mainstream campaigns. The team continues to prioritize community engagement and education as they work towards comprehensive stroke care.