Northwest Region:
Rugged geography, harsh climates, remote communities

The Northwest region of the United States has a higher rate of death due to stroke compared to the national average. The Northwest Regional Stroke Network contains states with the most rugged geography in the country, some of harshest climates, and large proportions of rural communities. Distance and topography make emergency care challenging, especially in the winter.

In Alaska, for example, many of the more than 200 rural communities can be reached only by plane or boat. Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington have their own unique challenges in getting proper stroke care.