Stroke Foundation is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently reverse its decision not to fund stroke awareness and recovery programs in this year’s 2024-25 state budget.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Victoria, yet Stroke Foundation receives no funding from the Victorian Government. Instead, 69 per cent of the foundation’s income comes from donations and bequests, primarily from survivors and their loved ones.
Stroke Foundation, Dr Lisa Murphy says it is time for this to change.
“We are so thankful to our survivors and supporters for keeping Stroke Foundation’s life-saving programs alive, but the onus should not be entirely on our generous community. The health of Victorians should be a priority for the state government, so it is time for them to step-up and show they are serious about tackling stroke.”
Every year 7,000 Victorians will experience stroke for the first time and 2,200 will lose their life, highlighting the need for ongoing and urgent investment in stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Ahead of this year’s state budget Stroke Foundation submitted a proposal with three key asks:
- $250,000 per year over four years for a F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) Community Education Program and Multimedia Campaign to ensure more Victorians know how to reduce their stroke risk and recognise the signs of stroke.
- Support for stroke quality improvement initiatives to ensure stroke clinicians in our state have the knowledge and tools they need to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of stroke treatment and care.
- $400,000 per year over four years for the StrokeLine Navigator Service to ensure survivors of stroke in Victoria are connected to the services, supports, and information they need after hospital discharge to achieve their best possible recovery and avoid hospital readmission.
“Stroke Foundation’s programs are critical to improving the lives and health outcomes for Victorian survivors of stroke and reducing death and disability caused by stroke. This, in turn, reduces the burden of stroke on an already stretched Victorian health system.” Dr Murphy said.
