University of Utah's StrokeNet Transforms Mountain West

The network aims to accelerate stroke care and save lives by bringing advanced, research-based treatments to patients across Utah and beyond.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Utah Stroke Trials Network (UT StrokeNet), the Mountain West regional hub of a National Institutes of Health-sponsored research network, is working to improve access to cutting-edge stroke treatments and clinical trials for patients across the region. Led by Dr. Jennifer Majersik at the University of Utah, UT StrokeNet connects hospitals and researchers to give more patients the opportunity to participate in life-saving stroke research close to home.

Why it matters

Stroke patients in rural areas or those treated at smaller hospitals often lack access to the latest stroke treatments and research. UT StrokeNet aims to change that by expanding the reach of advanced stroke care and clinical trials beyond major academic medical centers, ensuring patients across the Mountain West have the same opportunities as those in large cities.

The details

Since 2013, UT StrokeNet has enrolled nearly 350 patients in 17 different stroke trials at 13 regional hospitals. This includes a landmark study called DEFUSE3, which showed that removing blood clots from the brain could benefit patients up to 24 hours after a stroke - quadrupling the treatment window. UT StrokeNet also supports studies addressing challenges faced by stroke survivors, such as the FOCAS trial investigating treatment strategies for pediatric stroke.

  • UT StrokeNet was established in 2013 as the Mountain West regional hub of the NIH StrokeNet program.
  • Since 2013, UT StrokeNet has enrolled nearly 350 patients in 17 different stroke trials.

The players

Jennifer Majersik, MD, MS

Professor of neurology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, who leads UT StrokeNet.

University of Utah

The institution that was selected as one of 25 StrokeNet Regional Coordinating Centers and continues to uphold this prestigious designation today.

NIH StrokeNet

A National Institutes of Health-sponsored research network created in 2013 to accelerate the development of new treatments in stroke prevention, acute care, and recovery.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to get the best science out to people as fast as possible. I'm motivated by my rural patients who don't always have access to the newest treatments or trials. StrokeNet is helping us change that.”

— Jennifer Majersik, Professor of neurology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah (Mirage News)

“When we work with community hospitals, we're not just running a study. We're helping them develop the infrastructure and confidence to continue offering high-quality stroke care after the trial ends. It's an investment in people and systems.”

— Jennifer Majersik, Professor of neurology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah (Mirage News)

What’s next

UT StrokeNet plans to continue expanding its network of participating hospitals across the Mountain West region, giving more stroke patients access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

The takeaway

By connecting hospitals and researchers across several states, UT StrokeNet is transforming stroke care in the Mountain West by bringing the latest advancements in stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery to patients in rural and underserved areas who may have previously lacked access to these life-saving resources.