OAK PARK, IL – The Beyond Hunger food pantry in Oak Park is making significant strides in combating heart disease among local residents, in collaboration with Rush University Medical Center. Heart disease, a leading cause of mortality in the United States, affects one in five people annually, according to the CDC. Recognizing the need for proactive health measures, Beyond Hunger has teamed up with Rush Hospital to offer crucial cardiac screenings and support services directly at the pantry.

A Collaborative Initiative for Cardiovascular Health

Since last summer, Beyond Hunger has integrated free heart screenings into its services, aiming to identify and mitigate cardiovascular risks among community members facing food insecurity. Led by Bri Kellogg, a dedicated dietician, and supported by Rush cardiologist Dr. Danny Luger, the initiative provides comprehensive point-of-care testing. This includes immediate analysis of lipid panels and hemoglobin A1C levels, essential for assessing heart health on-site.

Dr. Luger explains, We assess their 10-year risk of a heart attack based on their blood pressure and lipid profile, providing actionable insights right away. This proactive approach is particularly crucial as individuals experiencing food insecurity often face heightened cardiovascular risks due to barriers such as limited access to healthcare and transportation.

Impact and Outreach

Since its inception, the Rush pop-up cardio clinic at Beyond Hunger has served nearly 200 residents from the Oak Park area. Approximately half of those screened were identified as high risk, necessitating further medical attention and follow-up care. Those identified as high risk are seamlessly referred to Rush’s main campus for additional support, facilitated by social workers and community health workers.

Beyond just screenings, we’re fostering a culture of proactive health management, notes Kellogg. The initiative not only identifies risks but also empowers individuals to take charge of their health through education and ongoing support.

Future Expansion and Community Engagement

Buoyed by its initial success, the collaboration is planning to expand its reach to serve more communities in need. Future events at Beyond Hunger are scheduled to continue providing essential health screenings and support:

• August 3rd, 9 am – 12 pm: Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
• September 14th, 9 am – 12 pm: Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301

The expansion aims to bring accessible cardiac care directly to more neighborhoods, ensuring that individuals at risk receive timely interventions and support.

Educating the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers

The initiative has also become a valuable learning opportunity for medical students from Rush University. Volunteer medical students like Cricket Rickert emphasize the importance of patient-centered care and community engagement in their training. Learning to navigate diverse health challenges and develop personalized care plans has been invaluable, Rickert shares.

Conclusion: Empowering Communities Through Health Initiatives

The partnership between Beyond Hunger and Rush Hospital exemplifies a proactive approach to community health, addressing not only immediate needs but also fostering long-term wellness among vulnerable populations. By integrating healthcare services with essential community resources like food pantries, the initiative underscores the importance of accessibility and early intervention in combatting chronic diseases like heart disease.

For those interested in participating or learning more about upcoming events and services, download The Local News App on your mobile device and stay updated with local health initiatives like this one. Together, we can build healthier communities through proactive healthcare initiatives and collaborative efforts.

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