Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health has received a $5 million gift to support stroke prevention and care in partnership with Temple University in Philadelphia.
The gift is from Merck CEO Ken Frazier and his wife Andréa, founder of interior design firm Frazier Designs.
"It is critical that our health systems address the disparities that impact underserved communities. Stroke disproportionately affects disadvantaged African American community members, and combined with poor access to education and healthcare, results in significantly poorer health outcomes," Andréa and Ken Frazier said in a joint statement. "Our family has deep roots in North Philadelphia and has been impacted by the debilitating effects of stroke. We feel privileged to be in a position to help convene this partnership to bring lifesaving stroke prevention measures to our community."
The donation will establish the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Education and Prevention.
The goal of the Frazier Family Coalition is to create an integrated health education and community program to help residents obtain information, resources and quality care to prevent strokes.