Author: Stroke Connection Magazine

The Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act (STOP Stroke, H.R. 477) took a major step toward becoming law when it was passed by the full House of Representatives by voice vote on March 27. The STOP Stroke Act, which was introduced by Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Chip Pickering (R-MS) in January, would help ensure that stroke is more widely recognized by the public and treated more effectively by healthcare providers.

“The House vote brings us closer to closing gaps in the awareness and treatment of a deadly disease that afflicts about 700,000 Americans each year and threatens quality of life.” Said Larry Goldstein, M.D., chair of the American Stroke Association Stroke Council. “In recognizing the severity of this disease and the need to improve care, the House has taken a bold step in addressing this issue head-on. Now it’s up to the Senate to act quickly and pass the STOP Stroke Act during this session.”

In the Senate, the STOP Stroke Act was re-introduced by Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) on March 27. The STOP Stroke Act will provide states with the resources needed to implement coordinated stroke systems of care. It also authorizes a national public awareness campaign, a grant program to train medical professionals in newly developed tools and therapies, and a national clearinghouse to collect stroke data and share best practices.

To take action and urge your Senator to co-sponsor the STOP Stroke Act, join the “You’re the Cure” network today. Visit: “The Cure” .