Major Investment Aims to Transform Stroke Care in Minnesota and South Dakota

The American Heart Association (AHA) has unveiled a transformative initiative to improve stroke care in Minnesota and South Dakota, backed by a $9.75 million investment from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. This significant financial commitment is set to revolutionize the way stroke care is delivered across both states, with $4.7 million allocated to Minnesota and $5.05 million to South Dakota. The initiative is part of the AHA's Mission: Lifeline® Stroke program, which seeks to establish a comprehensive, integrated system of stroke care by uniting hospitals, emergency medical services, rehabilitation facilities, and government agencies.

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with more than 90% of stroke patients experiencing some form of disability and over 11% suffering a second stroke within a year. The challenge is particularly acute in rural areas, where access to timely and quality healthcare is often limited. The Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative aims to address these disparities by implementing evidence-based guidelines for stroke treatment, focusing on the entire spectrum of care from prevention to rehabilitation.

In South Dakota, where stroke was responsible for 393 deaths in 2022, the program will concentrate on enhancing stroke care quality standards in post-acute facilities. This effort is designed to maximize recovery, reduce the risk of secondary effects, and ensure high-quality care throughout a patient's stroke journey. Dr. Jim Walery, a consultant to the South Dakota Department of Health EMS Division, highlighted the initiative's potential to touch the lives of all South Dakotans through better-coordinated stroke care.

Meanwhile, Minnesota's initiative will expand the existing statewide stroke system, addressing care gaps for rural residents and those with limited English proficiency. By developing culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, the program aims to improve stroke literacy among all Minnesotans, ensuring equitable access to care and optimal outcomes post-stroke.

The Helmsley Charitable Trust's longstanding support for the AHA's mission, totaling over $90.9 million since 2010, underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare challenges. Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust, emphasized the initiative's focus on rural populations, who often face longer transit times and limited access to specialists. This investment not only promises to enhance stroke care in Minnesota and South Dakota but also sets a precedent for other states to follow, potentially leading to nationwide improvements in stroke outcomes and a reduction in the condition's devastating impact.