Five years ago, the for troke and Aphasia (ASA) embarked on a difficult but inspiring journey – to give voice, support and perspective to people who have experienced stroke and are living with aphasia. Today, on the threshold of its fifth anniversary, we can proudly say: together we have built a movement that reaches the entire country and is heard at the European and global level.
International partnerships and recognitions
The ASA is an active member of SAFE – the European Stroke Association, with a second consecutive term on the Board of Directors, and a partner of ESO – the European Stroke Organization, as the national coordinator for the implementation of the European Stroke Plan. It was on the initiative of the ASA that this Plan was adopted with a declaration by the Ministry of Health.
The World Stroke Organization awarded the Association for the best campaign on the occasion of World Stroke Day (October 29). The ASA is also a partner of the World Aphasia Alliance, as well as the World Patients Alliance. Among the European initiatives in which the Association is a co-founder is EACH – a platform that led to the creation of a European program for cardiovascular health.
National scope and concrete results
Working with all municipalities in Bulgaria, through campaigns reaching even the smallest settlements.
Partnership with Bulgarian Posts, covering 3,500 locations.
Analysis of the unmet needs of stroke survivors and aphasia patients in Sofia, leading to the adoption of a Five-Year Program for 10 municipal aphasia treatment centers.
Launch of a project for free language cards for aphasia and an upcoming software version for communication in a medical environment.
Opening of the first space for art therapy and therapeutic gardening “Inspiration” in Bankya.
Permanent broadcast in the Sofia Metro of a video about the symptoms of stroke.
Digital and educational initiatives
Stroke infobot in Viber with over 3,500 users.
The “Me As Well!” programs – lectures and “Path of Knowledge” – learning through experience, reaching thousands of people.
Support communities
Mutual aid groups have been created on social networks.
A support group is operating in Bankya.
An online group has been operating for more than a year, in which patients from abroad, including England, also participate.
Gratitude and address
All these achievements are the result of efforts, professionalism and dedication to the cause, but also from the realization that the problem of “stroke in Bulgaria” obliges us to unite our efforts, ignoring differences. We thank the Bulgarian Society of Neurology, the Bulgarian Society of Stroke, the Bulgarian Association of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics, all Bulgarian municipalities, experts and private organizations for their support.
We express special gratitude to the media for their consistency and understanding on the topic.
We appeal to all victims, their relatives, caregivers and experts: be brave, confident and get involved in our organization. Together we can make the patient voice stronger and the fight against stroke more successful.
=>If you have any questions or need support, call our National Support Line: 0700 11 404.
Invitation
We take this opportunity to invite all victims and their relatives, as well as experts and volunteers, to the establishment of the post-stroke support group in the city of Ruse.
Date: 27.09.2025 (Saturday)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Hall "Art Sector" of the Regional Library "Lyuben Karavelov" - Ruse
The meeting will be led by Eng. Dorina Dobreva - Chair of the Board, and Dr. Georgi Georgiev - Vice-Chair of the Association for Stroke and Aphasia.
Association for Stroke and Aphasia
stroke.bg | ☎ 0700 11 404 | ✉ info@stroke.bg