DOVER-FOXCROFT – Every 53 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. In Maine, stroke is the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of severe, long-term disability.

In an effort to provide stroke survivors and others with up-to-date information, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association will sponsor its annual Stroke Symposium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Mayo Regional Hospital.

The associations are teaming up with area health care facilities to hold an information program for stroke survivors and their family members, as well as health care providers, during National Stroke Awareness Month.

The event also will be offered that day at Eastern Maine Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor, and Houlton Regional Hospital.

Tickets are $10 for individuals, $15 for couples, and financial assistance is available. To receive a registration pamphlet, call the American Heart Association at (800) 937-0944, or contact Cathy Murray in Mayo’s education department at 564-4242.

The symposium at Mayo’s Resource Center includes a heart-healthy lunch, featured speakers and material designed to educate and inspire stroke survivors, family members, caregivers and health care providers.