Stroke Resource Center of Southern Arizona

The Stroke Resource Center of Southern Arizona is dedicated to ensuring positive and sustained vitality for those touched by stroke.

Dr. Leslie Ritter, a nurse stroke scientist and retired professor at the University of Arizona helped develop and coordinated the stroke program at the University Hospital and in doing so, recognized a significant gap in stroke care. She observed that except for seeing busy physicians and maybe rehabilitation specialists after the hospital stay, there is very little ongoing support for stroke survivors and their caregivers as they learn to live with stroke. She also knew that both behavioral and physical challenges as a result of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can often severely affect quality of life. As a result of these observations, Dr. Ritter founded the Stroke Resource Center of Southern Arizona (SRCSA) to provide community resources that help stroke survivors and caregivers navigate their recovery so that positive and sustained vitality is possible. The SRCSA website provides up-to-date resources including stroke support groups, physical, speech and behavioral therapies, transportation, disability law, medical equipment businesses, home health and caregiving services, stroke education and more. Research demonstrates that talking to others about stroke experiences is known to help the feelings of depression and social isolation which are common after stroke. The SRCSA provides a monthly stroke support group that can be joined in person or virtually (Zoom) from anywhere in the country. The SRCSA also holds social events several times a year in the Tucson, AZ area such as day retreats, lunches, equine therapy and adaptive sports. We have held several weekend camps that, in participants words, have been "life affirming." Our non-profit organization is 100% volunteer run and depends entirely on donations. Any contributions you can make will help grow and sustain the important work we do for those living with stroke.

Testimonials

"We loved, loved, loved the weekend camps! We didn't know how much talking, watching, laughing and even crying with others shifted our suffering to accepting."

"Why isn't continuing stroke support after the hospital more available like it is for heart attack and cancer survivors? Thank you for doing what you do--you are making a difference and I wish you could have even more activities."

"Attending your support group isn't just a cry fest like I thought it would be--I got valuable information on how to get the physical therapy and disability law services I needed and I never laughed so hard. I suddenly didn't feel so alone."