Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) changes French name to better reflect commitment to stroke research and prevention

New name: « Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l'AVC »

OTTAWA, Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Heart and Stroke Foundation announces a change to its French name.  "AVC" - the abbreviation for the French term for stroke, 'accidents vasculaires cérébraux' - will be added to the Foundation's current French corporate name and logo.  Referring to both heart disease and stroke, the name Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l'AVC more accurately reflects the organization's mission and also more closely resembles its English counterpart. The change is effective immediately.

"The work we do in the field of stroke is just as important as our work in heart disease, and our name should reflect this in both English and French," says David Sculthorpe, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "Adding those three letters will make our mission clearer to our donors, volunteers, the scientific community and the general public, and at the same time help reinforce our commitment to healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke."

La Fondation des maladies du cœur has been used for more than twenty-two years, and though it is well known to its donors, partners and public, it lacked any reference to stroke, unlike the English name. "Despite the absence of the word 'stroke' in our previous French name, stroke is absolutely a Foundation priority," says David Sculthorpe. "In Québec alone, our commitment to stroke research and prevention has always been strong, and our efforts served as a catalyst with the provincial government and other health system stakeholders in the implementation of the Québec Stroke Strategy, a province-wide continuum of care and resources for stroke victims and their loved ones."

The new name, Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l'AVC, will be implemented gradually starting in September 2012, making its first appearance in all new electronic documents.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada and a leading cause of adult neurological disability and hospitalization.  Each year, approximately 50,000 strokes occur in Canada and almost 16,000 Canadians die as a result of stroke. More than 315,000 Canadians are living with mild, moderate or severe disability due to stroke.  Recognizing stroke warning signs and getting immediate medical attention within three hours of stroke onset has a major impact on survival and recovery. Yet only 20 to 25% of people who have a stroke actually get emergency care within this critical window.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is committed to improving stroke treatment, research, care and recovery for all Canadians. It collaborates with government, healthcare professionals and leading health organizations to provide the leadership, expertise and insight needed to revolutionize how we manage stroke in Canada.

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The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a volunteer-based health charity focused on the advancement of research and its applications, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.

Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen.

SOURCE: HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF CANADA

Media inquiries:
Maryse Bégin
Heart and Stroke Foundation, Québec
514-871-8038 ext. 232
[email protected]

Jane-Diane Fraser
Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canada
613-569-4361 ext 273, or
[email protected]