USA Health Stroke Program outreach efforts benefit from continued Chiesi USA support
Funding will support educational programming at community health fairs, schools and events with first responders, as well as targeted outreach in neighborhoods facing barriers to healthcare access.
By Michelle Ryan-Day
[email protected]
USA Health’s Stroke Program has received continued funding support from Chiesi USA to expand community-based stroke education, outreach and prevention efforts across underserved communities in southwest Alabama.
The renewed investment will help the USA Health stroke outreach team build on initiatives designed to increase awareness of stroke signs and symptoms, improve health literacy, and connect individuals with timely care. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for people at risk of stroke.
Chiesi USA, a specialty pharmaceutical company, described the USA Health Stroke Program’s dedication to improving community health as “inspiring.”
"When this work is led by people who are truly passionate about making a difference, it becomes more than a responsibility — it becomes a labor of love,” said Sunny Grothaus, shared value and sustainability business partner at Chiesi USA. “The USA Health stroke outreach team brings innovation, compassion and a genuine commitment to improving the health of the communities they serve. This is exactly the kind of meaningful, community-centered work that Chiesi is proud to support."
The funding will support educational programming at community health fairs, schools and events with first responders, as well as targeted outreach in neighborhoods facing barriers to healthcare access. The program also plans to continue research and education efforts focused on stroke prevention and awareness among antepartum and postpartum patients.
The funding will help expand outreach initiatives that educate hundreds of community members each month and strengthen connections between at-risk individuals and the healthcare system, USA Health leaders said.
During the past year, support from Chiesi enabled the USA Health Stroke Program to conduct a community-based research project examining stroke risk factors by ZIP code. Findings from the project, presented at the 2026 International Stroke Conference, helped identify barriers such as limited access to healthy foods in underserved neighborhoods and informed more targeted education efforts.
The partnership also funded the "Seeds for Stroke Prevention – Growing a Healthier Brain" initiative, which distributed 500 vegetable seed kits paired with stroke prevention education materials throughout the community.
"Community education and outreach are essential to improving stroke outcomes," Grothaus said. "At Chiesi, we know that improving health takes more than medicine. It requires a holistic approach that combines education, community connection, and access to resources to support the whole person and create healthier communities."
Emily Dahlmann, DNP, RN, SCRN, director of the USA Health Stroke Program, said the continued support will allow the program to reach more people with potentially life-saving information.
"Every day, we see the impact that education can have on stroke recognition and response," Dahlmann said. "People often tell us they recognized the signs of a stroke in a loved one because of something they learned at one of our events. This partnership helps us expand those opportunities, reach more communities, and ultimately save lives."
To date, the program reports that its stroke code volume has doubled, with 120 to 160 patients each month seeking treatment because of concerns about stroke. Community members frequently share stories of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking care quickly after attending outreach events.
Grothaus said the partnership is rooted in a shared belief that everyone deserves access to the care and resources needed to live healthier lives.
Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, Chiesi USA delivers therapies and enhances care for patients in the areas of acute cardiology, neonatology, and rare diseases. It is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of its communities through its employee-led corporate social responsibility program, Chiesi in the Community.
