Ontario Stroke Strategy
A Healthy Ontario: Lowering the Risks of Stroke
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Risk factors – including high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease – significantly increase a person’s chance of having a stroke.
In addition to the toll on a person and his or her family and friends, it is estimated that stroke care costs the Ontario economy almost a billion dollars each year. There is also a high burden of disability due to dementia as well as depression for both survivors and care partners.
The Ontario Stroke System (OSS) is a comprehensive and integrated approach that aims to decrease the incidence of stroke and improve patient care and outcomes for those who experience stroke – particularly among vulnerable populations.
Since its inception in 2000, the OSS has made significant improvements in stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment. There have been positive impacts on access to stroke-related services through The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, treatment for stroke, and the integration and coordination of stroke care.
More Stroke Prevention Programs
In partnership with various groups, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care also addresses Stroke Prevention through:
- Ontario Heart Health Program, which promotes ways to manage health risks;
- FOCUS Community Program, which addresses alcohol and drug abuse in 22 high-risk communities across Ontario;
- Smoke-Free Ontario, which encourages Ontarians to stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke;
- Community Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program, funded to offer community clinics on cardiovascular health for older adults; and
- Prevent Stroke, helps Ontario health care providers find programs and services that can help prevent stroke.
