Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett helped cap off a successful Stroke Month by signing critical legislation that will help improve stroke care across his state. This exciting win would not have been possible without the dedication of You’re the Cure advocates, who have been working to pass stroke legislation in the state for more than six years.
The new law, which directs the Department of Health to recognize hospitals which have achieved national certification for stroke care and requires the Department’s Bureau of EMS to adopt specific measures to promote better response rates and quality of care for stroke patients, takes effect on July 28th.
It was the drum beat of grassroots advocates that kept the bill alive in the state legislature. Since May 2011, they sent over 3,600 emails to their legislators and attended nearly 100 face-to-face meetings. Advocates even gathered at the state capital in February to make sure the issue was front and center in lawmakers minds.
Cindy Flynn, a four-time stroke survivor and the 2011 National Survivor-Advocate of the Year– was instrumental in convincing the Senate Majority Leader to be a champion for legislation. His support was critical to getting the bill across the finish line.
The AHA/ASA is also proud of the partnerships formed throughout the campaign, including the Hospital and Healthsystem Association and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Congratulations to the entire Pennsylvania You’re the Cure team who demonstrated to all of us that persistence pays off!
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