UF Health Telestroke Network
Bringing fast, expert stroke care to patients through technology.
When a stroke happens, every second matters. Brain cells begin to die within minutes, and fast treatment can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability. At UF Health, a growing telehealth initiative is helping ensure patients across Northeast Florida get rapid, expert care when they need it most.
The UF Health Telestroke Network connects patients experiencing stroke symptoms with a board-certified stroke neurologist — right at their bedside — through secure telehealth technology. Whether a patient arrives at a UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center or a UF Health facility in Duval, Nassau or St. Johns counties, they can be evaluated immediately by a specialist without waiting for transfer to another facility.
Leading this effort is Benjamin Alwood, MD, medical director of the UF Health Telestroke Network along with Lindsey Perrotta, DNP, RN, stroke program manager. Dr. Alwood is a University of Florida assistant professor of vascular neurology and a vascular neurologist at UF Health Jacksonville. He trained as an National Institute of Health, or NIH, StrokeNet fellow at the University of California San Diego, where he gained expertise in delivering stroke care remotely and contributed to international stroke research. His work continues to focus on improving stroke care quality, advancing telemedicine and expanding access to lifesaving treatments.
Why speed matters in stroke care
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a bleed (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die rapidly — up to 2 million neurons every minute. In the United States, nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke each year, and it remains the leading cause of acquired physical disability in adults and the fifth leading cause of death.
Northeast Florida sits along the southeastern edge of the “Stroke Belt,” a region where stroke rates are especially high. This makes fast, coordinated care even more critical for local communities.
Expanding access and improving outcomes for stroke care
The UF Health Telestroke Network is designed to eliminate delays by virtually bringing the specialist to the patient. Through real-time video consultation and advanced imaging review, stroke neurologists can quickly assess symptoms, confirm diagnosis and recommend immediate treatment.
This approach is already making a measurable impact. In 2025 alone, the network treated nearly 1,000 patients. Even more importantly, it has helped reach patients who may not have otherwise received timely care, including those seen at facilities that are not designated stroke centers.
Research presented at the 2025 Duval County Medical Society Poster Conference earned first place recognition for demonstrating how the network improves equity in stroke care.
A growing network of stroke care
Currently active at eight sites, the UF Health Telestroke Network continues to expand. By the end of 2026, it is expected to grow to 15 locations, including UF Health Central Florida hospitals, UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital, UF Health Leesburg Hospital and multiple Emergency & Urgent Care Centers. New additions will also include the upcoming UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center – Intracoastal (opening early 2027) and UF Health Durbin Park Hospital (opening early fall 2026).
This expansion means more patients across a broader region will have immediate access to specialized stroke expertise, no matter where they enter the health system.
Working together for faster treatment
The Telestroke Network works in tandem with the UF Health Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, a specialized ambulance equipped to begin stroke care in the field. While the two programs are separate, they share the same expert physicians and align to provide seamless care — from first contact through hospital treatment.
Together, these services create a comprehensive system designed to reduce delays, improve outcomes and ensure patients are quickly transferred to the UF Health Jacksonville Comprehensive Stroke Center when advanced care is needed.
A vision for the future
The goal of the UF Health Telestroke Network is to become the solution for stroke care whenever a patient arrives at an emergency department. By combining advanced technology, clinical expertise and a commitment to access, UF Health is reshaping how stroke care is delivered across the region. For patients and families, no matter where a stroke occurs, expert care is only minutes away.
Visit UFHealthJax.org/neurology for more information on our neurology services.
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