On World Stroke Day (29 October), Terumo Neuro has announced that it has partnered with Tulane University School of Medicine (New Orleans, USA) and Kendrick Johnson—assistant professor of neurosurgery at the medical school—to release an educational video focused on raising awareness about stroke education and the critical need for equitable healthcare access.
As per a Terumo Neuro press release, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the USA—with Louisiana, where Tulane University is based, ranking among the top US states in terms of the highest stroke death rates. This burden disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities, the release adds, also noting that immediate treatment is “critical” when a person suffers a stroke.
Despite this, a 2021 survey found that 19% of Louisiana residents live more than a 45-minute drive from a certified stroke centre, highlighting significant geographic barriers to timely care, according to Terumo Neuro.
In the educational video, Johnson emphasises the urgency of improving access to stroke care, particularly for communities facing socioeconomic challenges, and racial and ethnic disparities. The video explores the vital role of education in addressing the disparities that prevent many from receiving the life-saving treatment they need in time as well.
“We are proud to join Terumo Neuro in this vital effort to raise awareness about stroke education on World Stroke Day,” said Johnson. “Our mission is to break down the barriers to equitable healthcare—and ensuring access to timely stroke care is a crucial part of that. By focusing on education, we are committed to reaching the communities that need us most and providing them with the resources and support they deserve.”
The video in question can be viewed online on the respective websites of Terumo Neuro and Tulane University School of Medicine, as well as all related social media platforms, in alignment with World Stroke Day 2024.
