Community & Education
Empowering the Valley
We believe education is the most powerful tool in preventing strokes. Discover how we are reaching out to the Rio Grande Valley community and transforming lives every day.
We believe education is the most powerful tool in preventing strokes. Discover how we are reaching out to the Rio Grande Valley community and transforming lives every day.
Why the Rio Grande Valley needs SREF
795K
Strokes per year in the US
One every 40 seconds
+20%
Higher stroke death rate in RGV vs. national avg.
Driven by diabetes & hypertension rates
80%
Of strokes are preventable
Education saves lives
1.9M
Neurons lost per minute
Time is brain — act F.A.S.T.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing the symptoms and acting immediately can save a life and preserve brain function.
Does the person have a sudden loss of balance, coordination, or experience severe dizziness?
Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes, or are they experiencing sudden blurred or double vision?
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, or are they hard to understand?
If you observe any of these signs, even if they go away, it's time to call 9-1-1 immediately.
SREF is deeply embedded in the Rio Grande Valley. We actively fund and organize programs designed to prevent strokes before they happen, and support families after they do.
Fund these programsProviding free blood pressure and cholesterol checks at local community centers to identify high-risk individuals early.
Monthly safe spaces for stroke survivors and their caregivers to share experiences, struggles, and victories.
Educating the next generation by teaching middle and high school students how to recognize stroke signs in their grandparents or parents.
A community-wide event to promote cardiovascular health, exercise, and raise funds for local stroke research.
"I had just seen an SREF presentation at my school. Two weeks later, my grandfather's speech suddenly slurred at dinner. Because of what I learned, I knew we couldn't wait. We called 911 immediately. The doctors said that acting quickly saved his life and prevented permanent damage."
Maria G.
RGV High School Student