Avera facilities in Eureka, Platte and a handful of other locations have been recognized for their participation in an initiative to improve outcomes for stroke patients.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 statistical update, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 people each year experiencing a new or recurrent stroke. The goal of the AHA’s “Mission: Lifeline Stroke” community-based initiative is to bring emergency medical services and first responders, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, communications and regulatory agencies, state and local government, and payers together to build a proactive system of stroke care that saves and improves lives.
Certificate of Recognition:
- Avera Eureka Health Care Center
- Platte Healthcare Center Avera
- St. Michael’s Hospital Avera
- Sunset Manor Avera
- Wakonda Heritage Manor Avera
Certificate of Excellence:
- St. Michael’s Hospital Avera
Certificate of Achievement:
- Avera McKennan Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Avera St. Benedict Health Center
The Mission: Lifeline Stroke program began in South Dakota in October 2024 with the support of a $4.4 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
The Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative provides a framework for assisting facilities to improve care according to the AHA’s rigorous science-based requirements for stroke rehabilitation, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.
Facilities participating in the post-acute care initiative receive a participation stipend and site-specific quality improvement support and process improvement ideas surrounding quality standards for stroke recovery, rehabilitation and secondary prevention. Facilities also have the opportunity to be part of a learning collaborative, working with experts in stroke rehabilitation to build tools and share and create best practices. Participation improves collaboration between post-acute care facilities and others involved in stroke care, including hospitals and outpatient providers.
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