Minnesota Stroke System
A coordinated statewide system of care ensures hospitals are equipped and ready to provide the best acute stroke care possible for all Minnesotans. The Minnesota Stroke System was officially launched in April 2014. The Minnesota Department of Health partners with the American Heart Association, hospitals, EMS agencies, and many other advocates to implement this coordinated system of care for Minnesota.
MDH designates facilities as Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals, Primary Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers, and Comprehensive Stroke Centers. In addition, we support training of emergency medical service (EMS) providers to recognize the symptoms of stroke and take patients quickly to hospitals for fast treatment.
About Stroke Hospital Designation
To date, MDH has designated 123 stroke hospitals. 97% of Minnesotans now live within a 30-minute drive of a designated Stroke System hospital.
For a printable version of the map: Minnesota Stroke System Coverage: Drive Time to Designated Stroke Hospitals: Updated June 2026 (PDF)
Find a designated hospital by visiting Minnesota Stroke System Designated Hospitals.
Designation Application and Deadlines
Minnesota Stroke System hospitals are designated on a semi-annual application cycle.
Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Designations are effective for three years. ASRH designation applications are due:
- April 1 (Designation effective date July 1)
- October 1 (Designation effective date January 1)
Primary Stroke Centers (PSC), Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers (TSC), and Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC) are to submit a designation application upon receiving updated certification documents from their accrediting body. Cycles vary.
For any questions related to your facility’s designation timeline, or to apply for designation, please contact the Minnesota Stroke Program at health.stroke@state.mn.us.
Resources: Find all of the documents, tools, guidance documents, and resources produced by the Stroke Program for our partners.
Minnesota Stroke Program Staff
Nicky Anderson • Health Systems Supervisor • 651-201-5000 • health.stroke@state.mn.us
Michelle Gray Ansari • Stroke System Designation Coordinator • 651-201-5000 • health.stroke@state.mn.us