As we step into 2025, it’s essential to reflect on the continued strides by CBS Cares and the National Stroke Association in their mission to raise stroke awareness. Their innovative approach, utilizing the power of storytelling in public service announcements (PSAs), continues to educate people about stroke risk factors and signs. The campaign, launched years ago, is still having an impact, bringing the harsh realities of stroke to light and empowering individuals to take preventive actions. By leveraging the voice of Alan Kalter and the influence of Aisha Tyler, these PSAs stand as powerful reminders that stroke can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
The Impact of Innovative PSAs
CBS Cares and the National Stroke Association have partnered to create three PSA messages to raise awareness on the risk factors commonly associated with strokes and to highlight the groups most susceptible to strokes overall. The 60-second PSA, broadcast on CBS Radio’s 126 major-market stations the country, takes an innovative approach at getting the public’s attention with a dramatization of a wedding.
A Memorable Message
Featuring the father of the bride giving a heartfelt toast, the PSA takes an unexpected turn as the father experiences one of the signs of a stroke—garbled speech—and the toast is interrupted. The father of the bride continues on -debuts-in-memphis-on-107-1-kxht” target=”_blank”> a brief announcement that “strokes can be prevented if you are aware of the risk factors.” Alan Kalter, the announcer of THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, is the voice of the father.
Ensuring Accuracy
The CBS Cares creative team consulted National Stroke Association staff and board member Dr. Richard D. Zorowitz of Johns Hopkins University, to ensure the father of the bride’s garbled speech accurately represented the effects of someone experiencing a stroke.
PSAs on CBS Television Network
In the two PSAs to air on the CBS Television Network, Aisha Tyler, host of THE TALK, warns that women and African-Americans are at greater risk of having strokes.
Stroke: A Prevalent Danger
“Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability. Yet the public is dangerously unaware of the risk factors for stroke,” said Jim Baranski, CEO, National Stroke Association. “We are proud to work with CBS and grateful they chose this important cause for a CBS Cares initiative.”
Everyone is at Risk
According to National Stroke Association, anyone can have a stroke no matter your age, race or gender. But the chances of having a stroke increase if a person has certain risk factors, such as -features-in-latest-edition” target=”_blank”> history, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. The key to minimizing the incidence of stroke is to identify these risk factors and work with a healthcare professional to reduce them.
The Ongoing Campaign
The campaign continues to run throughout May in support of National Stroke Awareness Month, and encourages the public to fill out a Stroke Risk Scorecard and talk with their healthcare professional.
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