HONOLULU (KHON2) — Stroke is the third most common cause of death in Hawaii and is the leading cause of disability in our state.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Trust gifted nearly $7 million to help first responders, hospitals and care providers save more lives and improve recovery after a stroke.
The $6.8 million grant hopes to combat those numbers in “Mission Life Stroke,” led by the American Heart Association.
“Looking back, I can’t help but wonder, ‘What if Mission Life Stroke had been in place?’ Then what if I had gotten rapid treatment from the moment I sought help?” said Colleen Griffen, stroke survivor.
“I might not be standing here today with the same challenges I now live with. But it isn’t about what could have been. It’s about what will be,” Griffen added.
The initiative will help boost public awareness of risk factors and stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 911 right away.
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Officials added the initiative will also help coordinate EMS and hospital training to more quickly identify and treat strokes.