SAF was founded by Pat Dando, Chuck Toeniskoetter & Chuck Hoffman. The Stroke Awareness Foundation was founded to standardize stroke treatment and systems of care to improve stroke outcomes. SAF prompted the Joint Commission to perform stroke hospital certifications.

Good Samaritan Hospital was one of the first five hospitals in the United States—and the First in California—to achieve Stroke Certification, offering standardized stroke treatment and paving the way for improved systems of care across the state.

SAF successfully advocated for a policy change to redirect emergency medical transportation in Santa Clara County, ensuring that all stroke victims would be taken directly to a Certified Stroke Center. This groundbreaking legislation—unanimously approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors—was the First of its Kind in California and set a precedent for stroke systems statewide.

Stanford Hospital became the First in the Nation to earn the Joint Commission’s Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification—setting a nationwide benchmark in stroke care with capability to treat the most complex stroke cases.

Good Samaritan Hospital, Stanford Hospital, and Regional Medical Center were certified as Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) — bringing high standard of stroke care to Santa Clara County residents and ensuring access to advanced treatment within our community.

Since 2015, we have been offering a lifesaving tool nationwide, The Stroke Awareness Foundation App. This free stroke emergency app is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin languages will:

• Clearly identify stroke signs and symptoms.
• Quickly locate the nearest Stroke Certified Hospital anywhere in the U.S.
• Call 911 while simultaneously alerting your predetermined emergency contacts with your geolocation.

SAF was successful in further strengthening the county’s stroke protocol by ensuring that acute stroke cases—including patients outside the tPA treatment window—are redirected directly to a Comprehensive Stroke Center bypassing nearest Primary Stroke Center, where advanced interventions and specialized care are available.

This year, SAF broadened its mission to offer a full continuum of care—from prevention and early recognition to post-stroke support. Through partnerships with community organizations, we’re committed to helping survivors heal, connect, and thrive after stroke.