Elevating Survivor & Caregiver Voices at the International Stroke Conference

In this special episode recorded live at the International Stroke Conference (ISC25), we dive into the American Stroke Association’s pilot program, Stroke Connections. This initiative is designed to amplify the voices of stroke survivors and caregivers, ensuring their lived experiences are heard at the conference—a group that has historically been underrepresented in stroke research and advocacy.

Join me as I chat with Stephanie Mohl, National Vice President of the American Stroke Association, and two inspiring stroke survivors and advisory committee members, Gracie Doran and Michelle Ballasiotes (previous guest on Episode 55). We discuss how the Stroke Connections pilot is bridging the gap between research and lived experience, and the importance of community and advocacy for improving stroke care.

While the program is still in its early stages, the goal is to secure sponsors to expand and make survivor perspectives a permanent part of future conferences.

Takeaways from this episode:

• The International Stroke Conference is a critical platform for both research and survivor voices.
• Incorporating survivor experiences into research and conferences can lead to more impactful stroke care and advocacy.
• The Stroke Connections program provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors and caregivers in shaping stroke care and research.

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