ThedaCare Becomes Coverdell Stroke Care Partner

ThedaCare is accredited as Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events. Effective stroke care requires coordination across many partners to be successful. Recently, seven ThedaCare hospitals announced their participation in the Wisconsin Department of Health Service’s Coverdell Stroke Program by becoming a Coverdell Stroke Care Partner. 

“As a partner, ThedaCare will provide stroke data from our system so that the Coverdell Program of Wisconsin can use that data to help determine the needs of our state and track improvements for stroke prevention education and other initiatives,” explained Kristin Randall, ThedaCare Stroke Program Manager. “Providing data can help focus on continuous improvement through partner stroke programs. It allows the partners to take a closer look at quality metrics so that we can continue providing the best care possible for our patients.”  

The Coverdell program began in 2001. Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement state-based registries that measure, track, and improve the delivery and quality of stroke care. The registry was named the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry after the late U.S. Senator from Georgia who suffered a fatal stroke in 2000 while serving in Congress.  

In 2012, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services became one of 11 states funded to participate in the Coverdell Stroke Program. Wisconsin was fortunate to receive continued funding in 2015 and again in 2021 for an additional 3-year period.  

The mission of the Coverdell program is to improve the quality of care for stroke patients by implementing the following: 

• Measure, track, and improve the quality of care and access to care for stroke patients from the onset of stroke symptoms through rehabilitation and recovery. 
• Decrease the rate of premature death and disability from stroke. 
• Eliminate disparities in stroke care. 
• Support the implementation of comprehensive stroke systems across the continuum of care. 
• Improve access to rehabilitation and opportunities for recovery after stroke. 
• Increase the workforce capacity and scientific knowledge of stroke care within stroke systems of care.  

“Those who have experienced a stroke can benefit from the expertise and standards at ThedaCare which will continue to improve with the addition of the Coverdell Program,” said Randall.   

In the United States, approximately, 1 in 20 adult deaths are due to stroke. According to the CDC, an estimated 80% of all strokes are preventable by knowing and treating potential risk factors. When a stroke happens, parts of the brain can be damaged and die within minutes. Randall said that learning the signs and symptoms, and calling 911 as soon as possible, can potentially help reduce damage. 

“As ThedaCare participates in the Coverdell program, we can continue to help educate our community to prevent stokes and share what steps should be taken if someone is exhibiting signs of a stroke,” said Randall. “We want to share what we’re learning, and the tools we use, so anyone can help someone in a stroke situation.”