Abstract Body: Background: Located in Twin Cities, Minnesota (MN), HealthPartners Stroke INSPIRE (HPSI) is a free stroke survivor support program which offers support groups, education, peer mentoring, and leisure-based engagement opportunities for stroke survivors and caregivers. This 25-year-old program, which originated out of one hospital, is experiencing significant growth throughout the Midwest. Program growth is facilitated by the addition of virtual and in-person programs and has expanded to support a healthcare system of eight hospitals. HPSI provides support to stroke survivors and caregivers throughout the state of MN and internationally. HPSI program growth is supported by stroke system leadership and statewide partners. Expansion of HPSI has prompted data collection about participant demographics, experiences and priorities of stroke survivors and caregivers.

Methods: Analysis of HPSI participant demographic, quality of life, attendance and support group topic trends were gathered from the HPSI Impact Pilot Quality Improvement Project (SIIP-QIP) and program tracking tools were reviewed. The SIIP-QIP collected qualitative information regarding stroke survivor demographic information, and perceptions of their Quality of Life, Affect and Well Being via the NEURO-Quality of Life Short Form.

Results: HPSI has experienced a 36.3% increase in average group attendance sizes since October of 2022, with the average group sizes ranging from approximately 9-23 participants (Fig. 1). The most common support group topics are represented in Fig. 2 and 3. Demographic analysis indicates that 29.5% of participants had their most recent stroke in the last 1-5 years, while 38.7% experienced their most recent stroke over 6 years ago. Additionally, 45% of participants drive themselves, 63.2% reside in a major metropolitan area, 92.7% are non-Hispanic/Latino, 88.4% are white, 75% are 61 years old or older, 54.5% are male, and 45.5% are female. Perceptions of quality of life were generally consistent those who were not participating in HPSI.

Discussion: As evidenced by consistent growth, high participant engagement, and demographic review, there is a need for expansion of community-based stroke specific support programming. Further study is needed to determine strategies for implementation of such programs in culturally diverse and rural communities. Research should explore the effects of stroke type and severity on support group participation and perceptions of quality of life.