The work of Delaware Valley Stroke Council (formerly Philadelphia Stroke Council) is to improve services for and treatment of stroke survivors and their families. Delaware Valley Stroke Council, a United Way agency, fulfills this mission by promoting optimal stroke care through advocacy, education, awareness, diagnosis and treatment.

Delaware Valley Stroke Council works as citizens' organization. Founded in 1995 by a group of area neurologists, Delaware Valley Stroke Council serves Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley, including South Jersey and Delaware. Over the years, the organization has continually expanded its programs to meet newly recognized needs, while establishing state and national constituencies in the process.

Delaware Valley Stroke Council has always believed that the organization should help provide the best stroke care through a continuum of consumer-driven, community based services. The need to promote and protect such progressive services remains urgent - especially at the local, state and federal levels. Delaware Valley Stroke Council provides leadership in our community in the hope of helping stroke survivor's return to productive lives.

Delaware Valley Stroke Council has a medical advisory board and a community based board. The introduction of the first national pilot program known as STEP (Stroke Treatment Enhancement Program) has been introduced in our area. This pilot program has been established in order to bring smaller community hospitals up to the "bar" in order that stroke patients have the best possible outcome.

New Jersey STEP Hospitals

• Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center - Camden & Willingboro, NJ
• Underwood Memorial Hospital - Woodbury, NJ
• Virtua Hospital - Burlington, NJ
• Cooper Health System - Camden, NJ

Pennsylvania STEP Hospitals

• Jefferson University Hospital - Philadelphia, PA
• Central Montgomery Medical Center - Lansdale, PA
• Chestnut Hill Health Care - Philadelphia, PA
• Crozer-Chester Health System - Upland, PA
• Doylestown Hospital - Doylestown, PA
• Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
• Nazareth Hospital - Philadelphia, PA
• Riddle Memorial Hospital - Media, PA

Our History

Philadelphia Stroke Council Becomes Delaware Valley Stroke Council

For Immediate Release
Contact: Bunny Hare, Director
215-772-9040

Philadelphia, PA, March 22, 2004 – The Philadelphia Stroke Council has changed its name to the Delaware Valley Stroke Council (DVSC), effective March 15, 2004. The nine-year-old nonprofit organization has made the change to emphasize its mission to serve the entire Delaware Valley region, not just Philadelphia, according to Loretta McLaughlin, Chairperson of the Stroke Council’s board of directors.

Founded in 1995 by a group of area neurologists, the council serves Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Today DVSC has a medical advisory board and a community based board. The mission of the Council is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke through heightened public awareness, continuing professional education, and legislative and patient advocacy. Over the years, the organization has continually expanded its programs to meet newly recognized needs, while establishing state and national constituencies in the process.

Currently, the Council administers $70,000 in grants that promote community education and awareness about stroke. It also sponsors two annual funding raising events, the Strides for Stroke Walkathon, scheduled this year for Sunday, June 13; and the Stars for Stroke black-tie gala, to be held on Friday, November 19.

The organization takes a grassroots approach to the problem of stroke by involving everyone affected by the issue, bringing together patients, caregivers, friends and families, as well as medical professionals. The Council believes that only such a powerful coalition has the knowledge, strength and resources needed to address the myriad issues stroke creates on the medical, emotional, financial and physical levels, among others.

“We have always believed that the organization should help provide the best stroke care through a continuum of consumer-driven, community based services,” said DVSC Director Bunny Hare. “The need to promote and protect such progressive services remains urgent -- especially at the local, state and federal levels. Delaware Valley Stroke Council provides leadership in our community in the hope of helping stroke survivors return to productive lives.”

The Delaware Valley Stroke Council is a United Way agency. The official registration and financial information of the Council may be obtained from the Pennsylvania department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800-732-099. Visit DVSC’s web site at www.phillystroke.org for more information on programs and events, or call 215-772-9040.