More than 50,000 Canadians have a stroke every year—one every 10 minutes. Another 300,000 people in Canada live with the after-effects of strokes. Strokes are a leading cause of adult disability in Canada and a major contributor to the rising cost of health care. A 2006 study by the Canadian Stroke Network (CSN) predicts that, based on the current Canadian population, widespread access to organized stroke care could prevent more than 160,000 strokes, prevent disability in 60,000 Canadians and save $8 billion in health-care costs over the next 20 years.

Through its highly focused research program, emphasis on training both stroke researchers and health professionals, and efforts to improve health systems across the country, the Canadian Stroke Network (CSN) helps bring the best possible stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to Canadians.

In partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Network formally launched the Canadian Stroke Strategy (CSS) in 2006. The strategy promotes education and awareness about stroke, the need to use effective treatments, best practices in providing coordinated care in integrated stroke programs, the importance of delivering rehabilitation at the right time and in the right intensity, and the need to support stroke patients and their families in the community.

In addition to its work on the Canadian Stroke Strategy, the Network supports groundbreaking science. In 2005, a CSN trainee discovered a gene that leads to the weakening of blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. This breakthrough led to valuable clinical studies about stroke care.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provided $1 million in funding to the CSN to measure, monitor and evaluate its provincial stroke system. From data collected, the CSN showed that people who are treated in integrated stroke programs receive better care. At local and regional levels, the CSN provides ongoing support to interpret data and to identify areas where improvements are needed.
An innovative project, piloted in Alberta, showed that lowering blood pressure, the leading risk factor for stroke, could be achieved by working with pharmacists to educate customers and raise awareness about high blood pressure. The program is being expanded across Canada.

In six cities, a network study is looking at more than 50 community-based stroke programs to create greater opportunities for socialization, exercise, leisure, language stimulation and learning for people recovering from stroke. The goal is to improve participation and reduce depression and strain caregiver. CSN researchers will also work with community-based groups to evaluate existing programs. Exploratory work is being expanded into a full research trial.

NoNO Inc., a network spin-off company, executed multimillion dollar financing and collaboration deals in 2005. Now that it has completed pre-clinical studies on a new treatment to prevent brain cells from dying in people who have suffered an acute stroke, NoNO is preparing an application to begin Phase 1 clinical trials.

The network manages a powerful research tool called the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network. The Registry is developing a user-friendly web-based tool, called Stroke Performance Indicators for Reporting, Improvement and Translation (SPIRIT). SPIRIT will enable hospitals across the country to easily access data on stroke care to guide planning, assess performance and promote efficiency. Data from the CSN Registry also revealed differences in care based on income. This knowledge is helping policymakers and health-care administrators develop targeted public education and training for health professionals and improve the allocation of resources.

Canadian Stroke Network - CSN (2000-2013)
Focus:	To reduce the burden of stroke through leadership in research innovation.
Funding:	$77.7 million for entire funding period
Strength:	32 researchers and 118 Highly Qualified Personnel
Partnership Power:	68 industry, public service and academic partners
Scientific Director and CEO:	Dr. Antoine Hakim
Web site:	www.canadianstrokenetwork.ca