DALLAS, July 13, 2020— United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia institutions will have access to a single, comprehensive set of stroke certification services through a new collaboration between the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Organization (MENASO) and the American Stroke Association (ASA).

The American Stroke Association, the world’s leading force for longer, healthier lives, uses its stroke certification model to assist hospitals with a framework, structure, manage and deliver high quality care by standardizing and increasing the quality of - and access to - acute care for patients who suffer a stroke.

“American Stroke Association and MENASO are uniquely positioned to build upon shared expertise translating science guidelines into programs and services that shape clinical care and improve patient outcomes,” says Suhail Al-Rukn, M.D., President of MENASO.

Primary and comprehensive stroke center certification services will offer all region hospitals and institutions a single resource with process improvement tools to integrate evidence-based science, quality initiatives, clinical best-practices and the latest stroke guidelines into their stroke care processes.

“Research supports that patient outcomes improve when medical professionals implement the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines,” says Mitchell S. V. Elkind, M.D., MS, FAHA, FAAN, president of the American Heart Association, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University New York and attending neurologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “Working with MENASO to expand healthcare facility certification aligns with the goal for science-based assessment, diagnosis and treatment of stroke to save lives and reduce disability.”

This program is based on standards developed independently and overseen by two mission-driven organizations, reflecting decades of science and clinical expertise.

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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 strokeassociation.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For Media Inquiries:

Contact: Tracie Bertaut: tracie.bertaut@heart.org, 504-722-1695

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and strokeassociation.org