Structure & Organization

Washington serves as the host state for the stroke network. Each state in the network is represented by stroke champions, which are comprised of clinical champions who provide direct care, state public health professionals involved in infrastructure, and members of the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association. All work together to advocate for quality stroke care.

The following describes the structure of the network. In addition to membership in the network, members can choose to participate on the subcommittees.

Steering committee and subcommittee members participate in monthly conference calls. All members of the network participate on a regional listserv.  Network members are also invited to participate on a national listserv and quarterly conference calls.

Steering Committee:

• Purpose: Provide direction and guidance for the work of the Northwest Regional Stroke Network

• Member roles: Commitment to regular communication via teleconference, annual in-person meetings, decision-making responsibilities, and sharing knowledge/expertise for the good of the region as well as each individual state

• Timeline: Meeting regularly starting FY 2007

 Surveillance & Evaluation:

• Purpose: To assess stroke burden, stroke care capacity, and other areas related to stroke in the five states of the Northwest

• Member roles: Commitment to regular communication via teleconference, sharing knowledge and resources around survey development, data sources, data analysis, GIS mapping, and technical support

• Timeline: Meeting regularly starting FY 2007

Telestroke/Distance Learning:

• Purpose: To explore capabilities, infrastructure, technology, reimbursement/credentialing, and other issues surrounding telestroke in the Northwest region

• Member roles: Commitment to regular communication via teleconference, sharing knowledge and resources around telestroke and distance learning

• Timeline: Meeting regularly starting FY 2007

Advocacy:

• Purpose: To facilitate communication within and between states in the Northwest region as well as with federal partners, promoting policies that will enhance stroke care across the region.

• Member roles: Commitment to regular communication via teleconference, sharing knowledge and resources around existing stroke policies, and willingness to share knowledge and promote future stroke policies.

• Timeline: Meeting regularly starting FY 2008

EMS/Dispatch:

• Purpose: To strengthen stroke treatment and prevention in the Northwest region

• Member roles: Commitment to regular communication via teleconference, sharing knowledge and resources around EMS/Dispatch

• Timeline: Meeting regularly starting FY 2007

Steering Committee

Steering Committee Chair
Nick Okon, DO
 
Surveillance & Evaluation Committee Chair
David Tirschwell, MD, MSc
 
Telestroke/Distance Learning Committee Chair
Mike McNamara, MS

Advocacy Committee Chair
Chris Sherwin

EMS/Dispatch Committee Chair
Soren Threadgill, MICP
 
Network Coordinator
Chara Chamie, MPH

Network Lead Epidemiologist
Wendy Shultis, PhD

Alaska
Lee Peterson, MS, RN, FNP - Public Health
Soren Threadgill, MICP – Clinical Champion


Idaho
Mimi Hartman-Cunningham, MA, RD, CDE - Public Health
Nicole Mauerman - Public Health
Robert Graff, PhD - Public Health
Jane Spencer, RN, PCCN - Clinical Champion

Montana
Crystelle Fogle, MBA, MS, RD - Public Health
Mike McNamara, MS - Public Health
Nick Okon, DO – Clinical Champion
Carrie Oser, MPH - Public Health

Oregon
Jean Anderson, BS - Public Health
Sarah Bartelmann - Public Health
Susie Fisher, RN – Clinical Champion
Ying Han - Public Health
Rachel Saunders - Public Health
Kent Wadsworth, EMT-P – Clinical Champion

Washington
Chara Chamie, MPH - Public Health
William Likosky, MD, FAHA, FAAN - Clinical Champion
Miriam Patanian, MPH - Public Health
Wendy Shultis, PhD - Public Health
David Tirschwell, MD, MSc – Clinical Champion

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Pam Borg-Jensen, MPH Pacific Mountain Affiliate- Washington
Juanita Carbaugh - Pacific Mountain Affiliate
Amy Enterline, MBA - Oregon and Washington
Beth Gebstadt, MPH, MS - Oregon
Jessica Grennan - Montana and Wyoming
Cherish Hart- Washington
Mary Lee Hyatt - Pacific Mountain Affiliate
Palina Louangketh - Idaho
Suzanne Sands - Alaska
Chris Sherwin - Pacific Mountain Affiliate