In its ongoing effort to maintain the highest quality health care standards and bring more advanced health care options to a predominantly underserved Medicaid patient population, Saint Anthony Hospital sought certification as a primary stroke center to meet the needs of the community and provide neurological care closer to home, when every second counts.  In early 2018, Saint Anthony Hospital formed a partnership with Northwestern Memorial Hospital to provide expanded general and advanced neurology services to the community.  Patients have access to specialists 24/7 for the acute diagnosis and treatment of strokes within just minutes of being at the Saint Anthony emergency department by an on-site neurologist or through telestroke technology.  Risk factors for stroke include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, all of which are prevalent in Saint Anthony Hospital’s primary service area.  COVID-19 is also increasing instances of stroke, specifically in African American adults who are already at higher risk for both stroke and COVID-19.