Minnesota Stroke System
A coordinated statewide system of care ensures all hospitals are equipped and ready to provide the best care possible for all Minnesotans. The Minnesota Stroke System was officially launched in April 2014. The Minnesota Department of Health partners with the American Heart Association, hospitals, EMS agencies, and many others to implement this coordinated system of care for Minnesota.
We designate facilities as Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals, Primary Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers, and Comprehensive Stroke Centers. In addition, we train emergency medical service (EMS) providers to recognize the symptoms of stroke and take patients quickly to hospitals for fast treatment.
About Stroke Hospital Designation
To date, MDH has designated 121 stroke hospitals. 94% of Minnesotans now live within a 30-minute drive of a designated Stroke System hospital.
Find a designated hospital by visiting Minnesota Stroke System Designated Hospitals.
Designation Application and Deadlines
Minnesota Stroke System hospitals are designated on a semi-annual application cycle.
Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Designations are effective for three years. ASRH designation applications are due:
- April 1 (Effective date July 1)
- October 1 (Effective date January 1)
Primary Stroke Centers (PSC), Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers (TSC), and Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC) are to submit a designation application upon receiving updated certification documents from their accrediting body. Cycles vary.
For any questions related to your facility’s designation deadline, or to apply for designation, please contact the Minnesota Stroke Program at health.stroke@state.mn.us.
Resources: Find all of the documents, tools, guidance documents, and resources produced by the Stroke Program for our partners.
Minnesota Stroke Program Staff
Nicky Anderson • Health Systems Supervisor • 651-201-5000 • health.stroke@state.mn.us
Ally Fujii • Stroke Program Quality Improvement Coordinator • 651-201-5000 • health.stroke@state.mn.us
Michelle Gray Ansari • Stroke System Designation Coordinator • 651-201-5000 • health.stroke@state.mn.us
Mimi Amelang • Evaluation Specialist • 651-201-5000 • health.stroke@state.mn.us