Gütersloh, 04/10/2025

German Stroke Foundation Publishes Its Annual Report For 2024

Last year, 1.7 million people in Germany sought advice and information on the German Stroke Foundation website  – more than ever before. The foundation, which was founded by Liz Mohn in 1993, presented its latest annual report this week.

According to the foundation, 2,342 employees from companies and public authorities took the German Stroke Foundation’s risk check last year. A striking number of test subjects were found to have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Many of those tested were unaware of their increased risk until the subsequent consultation. Acting on this, an awareness campaign is planned for this year’s Stroke Prevention Day on May 10, as representatives of German Stroke Foundation announced.

Acute stroke care in Germany is of the highest standard. When Liz Mohn established the German Stroke Foundation more than 30 years ago, no care specifically for stroke existed in Germany. By the end of 2024, the foundation, together with the German Stroke Society, will have certified 348 stroke units. This is an unparalleled success story: Nearly twice as many people survive a stroke today than 30 years ago. Most recently, St. Elisabeth Hospital Gütersloh also received the seal of approval.

Patient guides as ‘beacon project’

The foundation reports that it has recently significantly stepped up its activities, especially in the field of stroke aftercare. It supports self-help groups all over Germany with its development fund and has trained more than 600 volunteer stroke helpers.

A special funding program enables sports clubs to set up rehabilitation sports groups for stroke sufferers. And 28 medical supply companies in Germany have already joined its “Qualified consultation on post-stroke support devices” program and have their employees trained there.The foundation is setting a milestone this year with its “Patientenlotsen” (Patient Guides) beacon project. The pilot, which has received around €7 million in funding from the German government’s Innovation Fund, is testing various ways for integrating patient guides into the healthcare system.In addition to guides for stroke patients, this year cardio guides will be deployed for the first time. The foundation hopes to prove that its “Lotsen” (guide) model can be used for all complex, chronic illnesses, regardless of the underlying disease.The big goal remains to have patient guides entered into the social statutory codes.

One of Liz Mohn’s heartfelt concerns is ensuring care for children affected by stroke. The generous support of the “Stiftung RTL Wir helfen Kindern e. V.” foundation to the tune of €818,000 is helping to make possible an information campaign this year to better educate specialist staff and parents.

In addition, a new community platform is being created for affected families to exchange experiences and receive consultation.