Even under optimal conditions, it would take one in three Americans more than an hour to obtain treatment at the nearest comprehensive stroke center (CSC), according to a recent study published in Neurology. The location of a CSC is vital to ensure quick access to acute stroke therapies. In 2010 there were 811 Joint Commission-certified primary stroke centers (PSCs) in the United States and no CSCs. The study used a virtual trial to selectively convert up to 20 PSCs per state to CSCs. After adding the CSCs, 63.1 percent of Americans had 60-minute ground access and 86 percent ground/air access. Ground access to CSCs was lower in 10 Southeast states and Indiana, known as the Stroke Belt, and in states without emergency medical service routing policies. Study abstract