Virginia has high rates of stroke and is part of the "Stroke Belt" region of the US. The Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force was created in 2007 to improve stroke care across the state. It has over 300 members and 7 committees working on initiatives like developing stroke centers, educating the public and EMTs, and increasing the use of telemedicine for stroke patients. Recent policy successes include new EMS protocols and Medicaid coverage for telestroke services.