Heart Attack and Stroke Data Collection Initiative - Hospital Participation

An important component of the Texas Heart Attack and Stroke Data Collection Initiative consists of evaluating data collected from hospitals who voluntarily agree to participate with DSHS. The data is de-identified and individual hospitals are not identified in DSHS reports. Episodes of care for patients diagnosed with heart attack and stroke are evaluated for timeliness and appropriateness of care. Reports can be found on the Overview webpage.

How to Participate

All hospitals are encouraged to participate in the DSHS Texas Heart Attack and Stroke Data Collection Initiative. All data received by DSHS is de-identified. While 100% participation is the goal, hospital participation is voluntary. DSHS uses hospital, and pre-hospital, de-identified data to conduct a needs assessment/gap analysis and works with communities to improve care for heart attack and stroke patients in Texas. Individual hospitals’ data is never identified.

Hospitals may participate by contacting the program coordinator, Heather Bertero.

For questions related to the DSHS Initiative and hospital participation, please contact:

Heather Bertero, MPH
Program Coordinator
Phone: 512-776-3434
Email: Heather.Bertero@dshs.texas.gov

For information on the DSHS Stroke Designation Program, please contact:

Elizabeth Stevenson, RN
Designation Program Manager
Phone: 512 834-6700, ext. 6794
Email: Elizabeth.Stevenson@dshs.state.tx.us