The RayAsta Foundation has unveiled a comprehensive stroke awareness campaign targeting educational institutions across the Dominican Republic. This initiative, scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026, aims to educate students, faculty members, and parents about stroke recognition, prevention strategies, and emergency response protocols.
Designed as an interactive educational program, the campaign will deliver structured presentations during regular school hours through homeroom sessions and school assemblies. Medical professionals including Jael Joseph, Dr. Shane Mc Intyre, and Dr. Gael Thomas will collaborate with the foundation to ensure accurate information delivery combined with practical guidance.
The curriculum focuses on four critical components: identifying common stroke symptoms and warning signs, understanding risk factors and preventive measures, implementing appropriate emergency procedures, and emphasizing the vital importance of immediate medical intervention. Through these educational sessions, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of awareness that extends beyond school premises into broader communities.
Campaign coordinator Cecilia St. Hilaire emphasized the universal relevance of stroke education, noting: ‘Our primary objective is to communicate that strokes can affect individuals of any age or background. Early recognition of symptoms fundamentally improves survival rates and recovery outcomes. Knowledge truly serves as the first line of defense.’
The initiative represents a proactive approach to public health education, potentially establishing a model for other nations facing similar healthcare challenges. By integrating stroke awareness into school environments, the foundation aims to cultivate a generation better equipped to handle cardiovascular emergencies and make informed health decisions.