American Heart Association and Helmsley Trust Invest $9.75 Million to Enhance Stroke Care in Minnesota and South Dakota

The American Heart Association, in collaboration with The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, has announced a substantial investment of $9.75 million to bolster stroke care systems in Minnesota and South Dakota. This funding, allocated as $4.7 million for Minnesota and $5.05 million for South Dakota, is set to strengthen the Association's Mission: Lifeline® Stroke initiative across both states.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. In South Dakota alone, stroke accounted for 393 deaths in 2022. The investment aims to address the challenges faced by rural populations in accessing timely and effective stroke care.

In South Dakota, the focus will be on implementing stroke care quality standards in post-acute facilities statewide. This approach is designed to maximize recovery, reduce secondary effects, and extend high-quality, guideline-directed care throughout a patient's stroke journey. The project will also enhance collaboration among hospitals, ambulance services, and the state's Department of Health.

Minnesota's portion of the funding will expand the existing statewide stroke system of care. The initiative aims to close gaps in rural areas and improve access for those with limited English proficiency. A key component involves creating culturally and linguistically relevant materials to increase stroke literacy among all Minnesotans, a crucial step in ensuring optimal outcomes for stroke patients.

This investment is part of a larger commitment by the Helmsley Charitable Trust, which has contributed over $90.9 million to the American Heart Association's mission since 2010. The Trust's support has been instrumental in improving statewide systems of care in the Upper Midwest, including previous Mission: Lifeline projects in several states.

The comprehensive approach of this initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for integrated stroke care systems. By connecting all components of acute stroke care into a smoothly integrated system, from emergency response to rehabilitation, the program aims to reinforce the use of evidence-based guidelines and improve patient outcomes. This investment could potentially serve as a model for other states looking to enhance their stroke care systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas.