Minutes 
Feb 26th, 2026
SSAGC General meeting 

Date/Time: Feb. 26, 2026, 4:00 PM, ET

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Format: virtual with Zoom

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Present:

• Bruce Young, Chairman (on temporary leave)

• Ron Reddam, Vice Chair (on temporary leave)

• Pam Spence, Director at Large, Interim CO-Chair

• Linda Kirwin, Director of Marketing and Fundraising, Interim CO-Chair

• Mike Dewing, Director of Finances and Treasurer

• Dr. Lisa Murphy, Guest Speaker from Stroke Foundation of Australia

• Dianne Deans

• Tom Edsall

• Aaron Ablona

• Bray Muir

• Jim McEwen, Director of Communications and Corporate Secretary

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Pam assumed position of Chair for meeting.

Pam called meeting to order!

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Proceedings:

1. Bruce introduced Dr. Lisa Murphy, CEO, Stroke Foundation of Australia

2. Dr. Murphy read her local Land Acknowledgement.

3. Dr. Murphy gave an overview of the Stroke Foundation of Australia:
   - This year the Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary.
   - The Foundation is involved in research and advocacy.
   - All activities incorporate lived Experience.
   - Australia has a hybrid public/private healthcare system which includes Medicare and optional private insurance.
   - The Foundation works with other organizations to encourage stroke prevention.
   -They have a strong emphasize on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness (DEI).
   - The Foundation has created Living Guidelines for Survivors.
   - The Foundation helps survivors to find local services.
   - They have online peer to peer support.
   - Australia has National Standards for stroke treatment / recovery.
   - The Foundation has a Certification Program for stroke Units across the country.
   - Dr. Murphy noted that Aboriginal Islanders are 1.5-2.3 times more likely to experience a stroke.
   - Regional Australians are 17 % more likely to suffer a stroke than those in Metropolitan areas.
   - Approximately 24 % of new strokes occur in persons aged 54 and younger.
   - there are 600 strokes in children each year in Australia.
   - The Foundation is performing a gap analysis in stroke treatment.
   - Australia sees over 27,000 strokes per year.
   - Over 450,000 Australians are currently living with stroke.
   - The Foundation is mostly funded through donations.

- They have Lived Experience Working Groups, Our Family’s Stroke Journeys and Little Stroke Warriors.
- Australia Stroke Foundation contact information: 1-800-787-653  strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

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1. Pam agreed to provide her National Initiative documents from 2024 to Dr. Murphy. Action by Pam.

2. Bruce offered to collect all Chat Function questions and send to Dr. Murphy. Action by Bruce.  

3. Everyone thanked Dr. Murphy for her excellent presentation.

4. Jim requested that Dr. Murphy send her slide presentation to Pam to help with accuracy of our Minutes. Action by Pam and Jim

5. Bray suggested that future General meetings be a combination of speakers and time allocated to general discussions. Action by Pam and Linda.

6. Ron noted that we need to increase our membership up to 1,000 and with representation from ALL regions of Canada. Action by All.

7. Next General Meeting to be confirmed by Pam and Linda. Action by Pam and Linda.

8. Meeting concluded at 5:14 PM, ET.

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Minutes prepared by Jim McEwen, Director of Communications and Corporate Secretary, SSAGC