Robust stroke systems of care can save lives

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds. In Washington State, stroke is the 5th leading cause of death.

 

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hero_image_alt_text===Medical team working on patient
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thumbnail_alt_text===Medical team working on patient

Far too many people die or are disabled from stroke because they do not get available lifesaving treatment quickly enough. Timely treatment can mean the difference between returning to work or becoming permanently disabled, living at home, or living in a nursing home. It can be the difference between life and death.

In Washington State, since 2010, we’ve had a voluntary self-attestation system for health services. Providers agree to follow certain rules, but there’s no independent check to verify that is happening in each facility. Unfortunately, this system lacks essential tools like data and planning. Recently, the Department of Health recommended investing in a robust Emergency Cardiac and Stroke (ECS) system to improve outcomes for heart attacks and strokes.

We are currently working with partners such as the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American College of Cardiology to identify steps that we can take to improve and invest into Washington's ECS system.

 

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