Press Release
Contact: Rod Gardner
Publication Specialist
501.622.4513 office 501.622.2077 fax
Or: Nikki Thornton
Director of Community Relations
501.622.4010 office 501.622.2077 fax
Today's Date: February 1, 2008
St. Joseph’s receives grant from Health Department to target at-risk populations
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The grant review committee of the Arkansas Department of Health’s Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Section recently awarded St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center a $14,230.92 grant for its Mobile Heart & Vascular Screening and Detection Program.
St. Joseph’s Mobile Heart & Vascular Screening and Detection Program targets at-risk populations for screenings in Hot Springs and surrounding communities.
““The grant will allow us to reach more areas with targeted screenings, which in turn gives us more time to follow up with those who are truly at risk,” said St. Joseph’s Community Health & Wellness Program Manager Norene Chancellor, RN. “We are also able to better educate those who are at risk so they can make informed decisions on whether or not to come in for a more in depth evaluation.
“The mobile screenings include all of the components that are available in our routine monthly heart and vascular screenings that are conducted at the hospital. The same staff, protocols and follow up with Susan Abrahamsen, our Advanced Practice Nurse, is provided for the mobile screenings. Susan also communicates with the patient's primary care physician.”
The next mobile heart and vascular screening for the mobile St. Joseph’s program is February 21 from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Express Care Clinic at the McAuley Center (5010 Highway 7 North) in Hot Springs Village. To qualify for the $100 by-appointment-only screening, participants must be over 50 years of age and have one of the following conditions: diabetes, smoker or previous smoker, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or personal history of heart disease.
Each individual 20-minute screening is comprised of seven tests, including a carotid artery ultrasound (checks for blockages in the neck arteries), abdominal aortic ultrasound (checks for weakness in the abdominal aorta), ankle brachial index (checks for blockages in the legs and peripheral vascular disease) and weight, blood pressure and heart-rate checks. The screenings also include a written health risk appraisal, which generates an individualized report to assist with lifestyle modifications. A blood analysis (cholesterol panel, liver test or SGOT and glucose test) may be added for $45.
The pre-registration appointments may be obtained by calling (501) 622-1848. Because participants will be asked to remove their shoes and socks, it is recommended that they wear loose, comfortable clothing and no panty hose. St. Joseph’s provides discounted or free screenings to those who meet low-income requirements. For those who are interested, please inquire at the time of pre-registration.
A member of the Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Joseph’s is a not-for-profit Catholic hospital and two-time recipient of the large-company Gold Award at the Governor’s Family Friendly Employer Awards ceremony in the spring of 2006 and 2007. For further information on the Arkansas Governor’s Family Friendly Employer awards, as well as services and employment opportunities offered by St. Joseph’s, please visit saintjosephs.com.
