While
current data indicates that the cardiac needs of minority and indigent
patients in Mercer County are being met, St. Francis continues to
explore opportunities to extend and improve its outreach
program in the prevention of heart disease.
The St. Clare Medical
Outreach Van travels to medically underserved areas of the city
and county to provide primary care, including heart disease prevention
through blood pressure, cardiac risk and stroke risk-factor screening,
as well as healthy heart education. Since the inception of its cardiac
surgical program, St. Francis has sponsored and actively supported
a wide variety of health events throughout the community.
These heart disease prevention programs are designed to:
• Provide cardiovascular education
• Identify individuals at risk
• Provide access to treatment for these individuals
• Promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention
• Promote early detection and management of chronic cardiovascular
illnesses
Since 1998, more than 24,000 area residents have benefited from
these intervention/prevention outreach programs. Our physicians are
committed to providing high quality health care to the community,
especially to those who face barriers to healthcare access. They volunteer
their time and talent at two cardiac clinics as a commitment to meeting
the healthcare needs of our community.
