Working with very limited resources and staff support from the American Stroke Association, SSEEO's dedicated volunteers have already made significant strides towards achieving their mission. For example:

SSEEO has established a Steering Committee comprised of stroke survivors and caregivers with some participation from healthcare professionals. Throughout 2006 and early 2007 the Steering Committee has grown substantially and now includes representation from a sophisticated group of demographically and geographically diverse and committed participants. The Steering Committee generally meets bimonthly and provides strategic vision and leadership on SSEEO policy, education and outreach efforts.

SSEEO is also developing a Medical Advisory Committee to help inform the SSEEO Steering Committee and members on promising practices related to prevention and treatment of stroke. This Medical Advisory Committee will be comprised of healthcare professionals and will meet regularly. The Medical Advisory Committee will also provide technical support and advice on the development of written materials and will have input during the development of SSEEO's advocacy agenda and programmatic priorities.

SSEEO has published a brochure, as well as quarterly newsletters . These newsletters - SSEEO Update -- are distributed to more than 4,000 stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals across the state. Content for newsletters is generated by stroke survivors on a range of topics - from legislative updates, to information about local support groups, to updates on state and national legislative activities. SSEEO enjoys a special advantage in communicating with its target audience because the American Stroke Association, which publishes Stroke Connection , a national bi-monthly magazine, gives SSEEO access to its Illinois mailing list. Thousands of Illinoisans have come to rely on information from the SSEEO Update; for some, it is their primary -- or only -- source of stroke-related information.

SSEEO has established a visible presence in communities throughout Illinois . Since its inception, SSEEO representatives have accomplished more than 30 speaking engagements and have participated in more than a dozen health fairs, conferences and conventions. A group of stroke survivors has also worked with AHA/ASA staff to develop membership recruitment presentations, education and advocacy content. In addition, they have participated in workshops conducted by AHA/ASA staff to learn how to tell their own story and the story of SSEEO.

On May 11, 2006, SSEEO held an annual meeting that brought together over 80 survivors and other stakeholders from throughout Illinois . Over the course of the meeting, they conducted a priority-setting session that allowed the group to develop a state advocacy agenda that reflects their priorities.

By helping organize various stroke constituencies around a common agenda, SSEEO and its partners are engaging and mobilizing a powerful - and previously untapped - interest group with the potential to make significant impact on health policy and practices related to the treatment of stroke.