Achieving Equity in Stroke Care and Outcomes: A Comment on an AHA Scientific Statement

“Time is vital for stroke treatment, however, people from historically disenfranchised populations are less likely to get to an emergency room within the time window for acute intervention. Although Black people are more likely to participate in a post-stroke rehabilitation program, research indicates they are more likely to have poor functional outcomes. In addition, there are persistent racial and ethnic inequities in post-stroke risk factor control, and studies specifically addressing these inequities have not found the optimal method to mitigate the disparities.”

“Sustainable, effective interventions to address inequities will likely require collaboration with patients, their communities, policymakers and other sectors.”

“It's critical for historically disenfranchised communities to participate in research so that researchers may collaborate in addressing the communities' needs and concerns. Opportunities include working with community stakeholder groups and community organizations to advocate for partnerships with hospitals, academic medical centers, local colleges and universities; or joining community advisory boards and volunteering with the American Heart Association.”