USA Health Stroke Program receives sponsorship to expand stroke education, outreach

By Michelle Ryan-Day
[email protected]

The USA Health Stroke Program recently received a $20,000 sponsorship from Chiesi USA to support expanded stroke education, awareness, and community outreach efforts throughout the Mobile area. University Hospital is the second hospital in the nation to receive funding from Chiesi USA specifically for community-based stroke education initiatives.

“Chiesi USA’s commitment to improving patient outcomes aligns closely with our mission to help patients lead longer, better lives,” said Stroke Program Director Emily Dahlmann, DNP. “With this sponsorship, we will reach more individuals, deliver critical health education, and ultimately save lives.”  

Chiesi USA is the U.S. affiliate of Chiesi, is a global biopharma company focused on respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. 

USA Health’s Stroke Program is committed to increasing awareness of stroke signs and symptoms, particularly in communities that face barriers to healthcare access. With Chiesi’s support, the program will expand outreach efforts that include:

• Educational programming at local health fairs, in school classrooms, and with first responders, such as firefighters, to promote early recognition and rapid response to stroke symptoms.
• Community health screenings to help individuals understand stroke risk factors, including those related to diabetes, and to connect participants with appropriate follow-up care.
• Targeted outreach in underserved neighborhoods to improve health literacy and empower residents to seek timely, life-saving stroke care.

In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability, with someone experiencing a stroke every 40 seconds. Recognizing the warning signs quickly and receiving prompt treatment are critical to reducing its potentially devastating effects.  

One in four adults will experience a stroke during their lifetime, yet many strokes are preventable. Managing risk factors through regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation can significantly reduce stroke risk by addressing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, which contribute to nearly 90% of all strokes.

“This initiative will not only enhance public understanding of stroke but also foster stronger connections between at-risk individuals and the healthcare system,” Dahlmann said. “By promoting early detection and intervention, we can significantly improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability from stroke.”