The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, honored State Rep. Bob Biggins, R-41st District, of Elmhurst, with the Legislative Lifesaver Award at a statewide meeting of stroke survivors earlier this month.

Biggins was recognized for his ongoing work in support of a bill that would significantly improve emergency response and medical treatment for stroke victims in Illinois.

Biggins, a stroke survivor himself, is sponsoring legislation to create a system of primary stroke centers throughout the state. The Illinois General Assembly is considering the proposal, which will allow the Illinois Department of Public Health to designate hospitals meeting certain criteria as primary stroke centers.

With a system of primary stroke centers in place, emergency medical responders would transport patients to those hospitals best equipped to treat stroke patients when it is appropriate do so.