Sanford launches Stroke Comprehensive Treatment Clinic
May 27, 2026
Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org
BISMARCK, N.D. – Sanford Bismarck is working to expand access to specialized stroke recovery services through its Stroke Comprehensive Treatment Clinic, launched in February 2026 at the Sanford Northern Sky Clinic in Bismarck. The Stroke Comprehensive Treatment Clinic is part of Sanford Health’s commitment to improving long-term outcomes for stroke patients through coordinated, expert-driven care that supports recovery at every stage.
Held every 90 days, the clinic is designed to support individuals recovering from stroke – particularly those who may not have access to ongoing, stroke-specific services after hospital discharge or who continue to face challenges months or even years later.
“Our goal is to bridge gaps in stroke recovery care,” said Brandon Dirk, manager of therapy and rehabilitation, Sanford Bismarck. “We know that recovery doesn’t stop when a patient leaves the hospital. Many individuals still experience barriers that affect their independence, work, relationships, and quality of life.”
The Stroke Comprehensive Treatment Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Patients are first screened through a phone consultation to determine whether clinic evaluation is appropriate.
For those who attend, assessments may include:
- Balance and mobility
- Communication and cognition
- Swallowing and nutrition
- Strength and movement challenges
- Vision and perception
- Emotional and mental health
- Return to work or school planning
- Daily living and independence
Patients may work with a team of experts including:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation provider
- Nurses
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
- Neuropsychologists
- Social workers
A referral from a primary care provider is required to attend the clinic, with a screening process in place to help identify appropriate patients.
Patients or caregivers interested in learning more can call 701-323-8700 or speak with their primary care provider about a referral.
The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
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