Grant Program: PERC Opportunity Grant

This project, Stroke Prevention in the Wisconsin Native American Population, aimed to establish a stroke prevention program for Wisconsin’s Native American population as this community faces higher rates of stroke, coronary artery disease, and associated risk factors compared to other racial groups. Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers successfully engaged the Native American community with web-based education and a wellness coach who was based on the reservation. Preliminary data showed a greater need for stroke prevention than initially expected, with approximately 80 percent of tribe elders at increased risk for stroke and 50 percent having diabetes. The project has received bridge funding to support their work while seeking additional funding for the long-term continuation of the stroke prevention program.

This project sought to develop the Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin (SCW), a cost-efficient statewide collaborative to improve the quality of surgical care. The interest and engagement of surgeons and hospitals has surpassed the initial goal of involving 24 hospitals in the initiatives. SCW engaged 85 hospitals, where nearly 75 percent of breast and colorectal procedures are performed. There has been a significant reduction in reoperations in SCW participating vs non-participating hospitals. This project was also successful in establishing new partnerships, new initiatives, and supporting quality improvement in surgical care.