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Health care officials celebrated a charitable trust’s $4.4 million commitment Wednesday in Sioux Falls to expand and improve stroke care across South Dakota.
In 2022, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in South Dakota, according to the Department of Health’s vital statistics report . Stroke was the sixth leading cause of death in the state. Cardiovascular disease, including heart and stroke conditions, is the leading cause of death in the United States.
The program, called Mission: Lifeline Stroke , will be operated by the American Heart Association. The organization will collaborate with the state Department of Health, ambulance services and hospitals. The organization said a nearly $4.4 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will provide the bulk of the $5.05 million in funding.
“Congratulations, South Dakota, on the gift you just received,” said state Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt during a Wednesday press conference.