At the American Stroke Association, we’re fighting every day for policies that enhance stroke research, improve the treatment of stroke and ensure access to needed care. The American Stroke Association advocates for the creation and enhancement of high-quality stroke systems of care, providing patients with a seamless transition from one stage of care to the next. Key elements of a stroke system of care include prevention; community education; notification and response of emergency medical services for stroke; acute treatment for stroke; sub-acute stroke care and secondary prevention for stroke; and rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Among the policy priorities supported by the American Stroke Association to promote the prevention and treatment of stroke are:
- Fighting to increase the National Institutes of Health investment in stroke research. Stroke currently represents only 1 percent of the NIH budget, even though it is a leading killer and cause of disability in the U.S.
- Fighting to ensure that the needs of stroke patients are met as part of the implementation of the new health reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
- Working to ensure that all stroke patients get the timely, appropriate treatment they need to reduce disability. Time is of the essence in treating stroke, but far too often, our fragmented, uncoordinated healthcare system robs stroke patients of the latest treatments. The American Stroke Association is working to help states and regions develop coordinated systems of care for stroke and other acute conditions.
- Advocating to ensure that stroke survivors on Medicare have access to needed therapy services.
- Working to remove barriers to the use of telemedicine in improving timely access to effective stroke care.
How You Can Improve Stroke Care …
You don't have to be a doctor or therapist help improve stroke care, just an advocate with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association willing to tell your lawmakers or federal officials that policies aimed at improving the prevention and treatment of stroke should be a priority for our health care system.
With just a few clicks, you can make a big difference by responding to action alerts on the issues most important to you. Join the You’re the Cure advocate network!
Heart disease, stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease remain the No. 1 and most costly killer in the United States, taking the lives of far too many loved ones and friends each year. Medical research is our best defense—leading to new ways to prevent, treat and even cure heart disease and stroke. However, NIH continues to invest only 4% of its budget on heart research and a mere 1% on stroke research. These funding levels do not allow scientists to take advantage of promising opportunities that could lead to new treatment and prevention strategies, and even cures. The Association is committed to fighting for NIH funding, and if you would like to get involved, please visit our 
Power To End Stroke (PTES)
