Tulane Medicine Expands Stroke Care Education to Underserved Communities

Tulane University School of Medicine is launching a new initiative to enhance stroke care education for patients and medical providers in communities burdened by socioeconomic and racial barriers. This effort is supported by a grant from healthcare company Penumbra, which allows Tulane to expand its outreach and educational programs, focusing on bridging gaps in care for underserved populations.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, and Louisiana ranks among the top states with the highest stroke death rates. The burden disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities. Immediate treatment is critical when a person suffers a stroke, but a 2021 survey found that 19% of people in the state live more than a 45-minute drive from a certified stroke center. 

Tulane will provide targeted education and resources to empower patients and healthcare providers in rural communities. By equipping providers with the knowledge and tools to deliver effective care and by engaging patients in understanding and managing their health, Tulane aims to reduce disparities in stroke outcomes.

“Our mission is to break down the barriers that prevent equitable healthcare, and this program is a crucial step toward achieving that,” said Kendrick Johnson, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Tulane University School of Medicine. “We are committed to reaching the communities that need us most and providing them with the support they deserve.”

Dr. Johnson recently presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery Annual Meeting on Disparities in Stroke Care.