When someone experiences a stroke, immediate medical attention can mean the difference between recovery, lifelong disability or even death. In Wyoming, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death[1], and geographic distance to care can present significant barriers to timely treatment.
That's why the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is leading a statewide initiative to strengthen the full spectrum of stroke care across Wyoming through its Mission: Lifeline® Stroke initiative supported by a $4.5 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and a commitment of $785,000 from the American Heart Association.
"A stroke can change a life in an instant, and every minute from symptom onset to initial care matters when it comes to treatment and recovery," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "This investment is about creating a future where Wyoming residents can be confident that specialized stroke care is available when and where they need it. By advancing innovation and supporting recovery, we can help more people return to their families, their work and their communities after stroke."
Over the next three years through Mission: Lifeline Stroke Wyoming, the Association will help increase coordination among 28 hospitals, including two nationally certified Advanced Primary Stroke Centers in Casper and Cheyenne and community hospitals throughout the state that offer local services, telestroke capabilities and transfer networks. The initiative will enhance many critical elements of an optimal stroke system of care, including:
- Improved public awareness of the symptoms of a stroke and the need to call 9-1-1;
- A coordinated EMS network, well-trained to identify suspected stroke patients quickly and transport them to the most appropriate facility;
- Well-trained hospital staff prepared to properly treat stroke patients and transfer, when appropriate, to higher levels of care and high-quality rehabilitation services;
- Coordination and collaboration among all statewide stroke centers;
- Seamless discharge to high-quality, post-acute stroke rehabilitation and recovery care;
- Guideline-directed care in post-acute care facilities to improve recovery and quality of life;
- A sustainable statewide quality improvement data system to monitor patient care, identify successes and areas in need of further improvement and investment; and
- Robust, collaborative infrastructure for long-term attention to stroke outcomes across the state.
"Transforming stroke care requires a connected system that works seamlessly for patients when every second counts," said Walter Panzirer, a trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. "Wyoming has an opportunity to demonstrate how rural states can strengthen access to high-quality stroke care by connecting hospitals, EMS agencies, rehabilitation providers and community partners. We are proud to support this effort and help create lasting improvements that will benefit Wyoming families for years to come."
Casper neurologist David Wheeler, M.D said the endeavor represents a significant step toward improving access to timely, lifesaving treatment for people across Wyoming experiencing a stroke.
"When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost," said Wheeler, a stroke care leader and American Heart Association volunteer. "In Wyoming, patients may be separated from specialized stroke care by hours of travel. This statewide program will help ensure more patients are recognized, treated and transferred quickly, giving them the best possible chance for recovery. For many people, that can mean the difference between returning to an independent life and living with permanent disability."
Since 2010, The Helmsley Charitable Trust has supported the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline initiatives in Hawai'i, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and now Wyoming. This latest grant marks more than $100 million total from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, which has been foundational to improving statewide systems of care for heart attack and stroke to help save and improve lives in rural states.
Resources:
- Additional photos will be added as available to the right column of the release link.
- Mission: Lifeline Stroke: https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/mission-lifeline
