West LA Times

UCLA Health will enhance its mobile stroke treatment program with a $6 million donation from the Brett Torino Foundation. The funding enables the UCLA Arline and Henry Gluck Stroke Rescue Program to introduce a second mobile stroke unit (MSU2) to Los Angeles County, specifically serving the San Fernando Valley. This expansion aims to deliver immediate mobile care in regions with high stroke incidence, supporting stroke centers including UCLA West Valley Medical Center.

Mobile stroke units are ambulances equipped to provide advanced clinical care en route to the hospital, potentially improving patient outcomes post-stroke. Brett Torino, after learning about the program's immediate impact, was motivated to contribute. The new vehicle will bear the Brett Torino Foundation's name.

Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health, emphasized the donation's importance, stating, “We are so appreciative of the Brett Torino Foundation’s significant investment in a program essential to our mission. This meaningful philanthropy will help to ensure that patients receive high-quality stroke care.”

Dr. May Nour, program director, valued Torino's support, saying, “At UCLA Health, we see mobile stroke units as an integral part of prehospital medicine and we cannot thank Mr. Torino enough for his support. His thoughtful and generous gift will enable us to meet the needs of more people in crucial moments and improve health care throughout Los Angeles.”

Torino hopes the donation will alter the lives of families affected by strokes, stating, “I am proud to contribute to UCLA’s work in this area because of the ripple effect that comes with a stroke. A stroke can have devastating consequences on an individual and take a massive toll on the entire family, altering lives for generations. It is my hope that with this gift, we will change the trajectory of families affected by a stroke across the city.”

A philanthropist and real estate developer, Torino is known for assisting children with cancer and disabilities, operating educational programs in partnership with Clark County School District, and hosting camps at his estate, Torino Ranch, since 1994.