Stroke Foundation is calling on Queensland Parliamentarians to prioritise stroke ahead of this year's state election.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy will meet with key decision makers, including Gold Coast Member of Parliament and recent survivor of stroke, Rob Molhoek MP.
Stroke is one of the country's leading causes of death and disability, and more than 5,000 Queenslanders experience a stroke for the first time every year.
"We know they take stroke seriously in Queensland, that's why we're calling on the next Queensland Government to continue to invest in proven, highly effective and evidence-based programs to ensure Queensland residents know how to reduce their risk of preventable stroke and recognise the F.A.S.T. signs," Dr Murphy said.
"F.A.S.T awareness is critical to run alongside the roll out of the new $5.8 million Queensland Telestroke service which provides survivors of stroke with immediate access to specialist treatments, no matter how far away from the city they live."
Currently, the government is taking action to address the impact of stroke, by funding the My health for life and StrokeLink programs.
The Queensland Government has committed to ensuring Queenslanders are among the healthiest people in the world. However, unless further action is taken, Stroke Foundation estimates that by 2050, Queenslanders will experience up to 10,000 new strokes annually and there will be an additional 83,000 survivors of stroke living in the community.
"We're seeking a commitment for continued investment to help shape the future of stroke in this country. We're asking for new funding for a Queensland F.A.S.T. multimedia and community education campaign to raise awareness of the most common signs of stroke, and an investment in a dedicated mental health supports program for Queensland stroke community, leading to more timely treatments, better patient outcomes and fewer hospitalisations" she said.
"An estimated 5,300 Queenslanders will have had their first stroke by the end of this year. With ongoing government investment in stroke, not only can we work to bring this number down through prevention, but we can ensure more people are surviving stroke and living well after stroke, through awareness and improved access to treatment and better recovery supports.
"Stroke Foundation strongly supports the Queensland Government's commitment to ensuring Queenslanders are the healthiest in the world, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside them to help achieve this goal."
