COLUMBUS, OH – Nov. 30, 2022 – William J. Hicks II, MD (B.J.), vascular neurologist and co-director, Comprehensive Stroke Program, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, and a board member of the Central Ohio American Heart Association, will testified in front of the Ohio Senate Health Committee on House Bill 431 on Wednesday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m.
The legislation will make it mandatory for all Ohio Department of Health – recognized Comprehensive, Thrombectomy-Capable, and Primary Stroke Centers to provide sample data regarding any stroke patient – from the time they have a stroke until they are discharged from the hospital. This reporting on a sample of patients will help ensure that all stroke patients in Ohio will continue to receive the highest quality of care for stroke, a leading cause of death and long-term disability, by supporting a statewide, coordinated stroke systems of care. EMS agencies, hospitals, and health care facilities will collect and analyze data about stroke patients and share best practices and data, to work to improve patient care.
“Approximately 6,000 stroke patients die every year in Ohio and the continuation of a strong Ohio stroke system of care will improve a victim’s chances of survival and returning home to loved ones to resume their daily activities,” says Nancy Tobbe, executive director for the American Heart Association, Central Ohio. “This legislation is essential in providing optimal stroke care and we are grateful for local experts, such as Dr. Hicks, testifying in its support.”
By codifying the current best practice of utilizing a statewide stroke registry, the state will continue to improve upon access to rehabilitation and opportunities for recovery after stroke.
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About the American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Connect with the American Heart Association via heart.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
For Media Inquiries:
Contact Brianne Ballard,Columbus AHA Communications Director: brianne.ballard@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org