The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced a significant investment to bolster stroke care in Minnesota and South Dakota, with financial backing from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The initiative, totaling $9.75 million, will allocate $4.7 million to Minnesota and $5.05 million to South Dakota to enhance the full spectrum of stroke care across both states through the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline® Stroke program.
This investment comes at a critical time, as stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. More than 90% of stroke patients experience some form of disability, and over 11% suffer a second stroke within a year. The risk is particularly high for rural residents who often face challenges in accessing timely and quality health care.
The Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative aims to create a comprehensive, integrated system of stroke care. It brings together various stakeholders, including hospitals, emergency medical services, rehabilitation facilities, and government agencies, to implement evidence-based guidelines for timely and effective stroke treatment.
In South Dakota, where stroke accounted for 393 deaths in 2022, the program will focus on implementing stroke care quality standards in post-acute facilities. This approach is designed to maximize recovery of function lost during a stroke, reduce the risk of secondary effects, and extend high-quality, guideline-directed care throughout a patient’s stroke journey. Dr. Jim Walery, an acute care physician and consultant to the South Dakota Department of Health EMS Division, emphasized that this initiative ‘will directly touch the lives of all South Dakotans through better coordinated stroke care.’
The Minnesota initiative aims to expand the existing statewide stroke system by addressing gaps in care, particularly for rural residents and those with limited English proficiency. The program will develop culturally and linguistically relevant materials to improve stroke literacy among all Minnesotans. Heather Peterson, AHA vice president of community impact for the Twin Cities, stated, ‘Improving stroke literacy among all Minnesotans is a key step in ensuring everyone, everywhere has the best possible outcome after stroke.’
The Helmsley Charitable Trust has been a long-standing supporter of the American Heart Association’s mission, committing over $90.9 million since 2010. Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach, stating, ‘We believe that a comprehensive approach is the best way to make the most substantial impact, especially for rural populations that face longer transit times and limited access to specialists.’
This investment in stroke care systems has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients in Minnesota and South Dakota. By focusing on the entire spectrum of care, from prevention and early recognition to acute treatment and rehabilitation, the initiative aims to reduce the burden of stroke-related disabilities and deaths in these states. The emphasis on rural and underserved populations could help address longstanding healthcare disparities and ensure that all residents have access to high-quality stroke care, regardless of their location or background.
As this program unfolds, it may serve as a model for other states looking to enhance their stroke care systems, potentially leading to nationwide improvements in stroke outcomes and a reduction in the overall impact of this devastating condition.
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