NIHHC’s Free Health Screenings & Vaccinations See Good Attendance
April 30, 2023 at 7:27 p.m.
NIHHC’s Free Health Screenings & Vaccinations See Good Attendance
By Staff Report-
Over 150 people, including volunteers, attended the event; 95% of attendees were Hispanic, according to a news release from NIHHC.
All health screenings and services were offered free of cost to any community member, with no appointment or doctor’s referral needed. Health screenings included kidney screenings (urinalysis and creatinine), lipid panel, cholesterol, glucose, A1C, blood pressure, body mass index, back screenings and vision. A total of 1,013 health screenings were given.
Thanks to Kosciusko County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health, 19 COVID-19 and 15 flu shots were given to adults and children ages 5 and older. COVID-19 home testing kits, donated by Zimmer Biomet, were distributed to attendees. To help address transportation needs, and thanks to the Indiana Department of Health, NIHHC distributed a $25 gas gift card to those who received a COVID-19 or flu shot.
NIHHC’s health fairs provide a holistic approach to health and overcome barriers to accessing health care through bilingual and culturally sensitive services, according to the news release.
One attendee said she follows NIHHC wherever it goes because she doesn’t have health insurance. Last year, she participated in NIHHC’s Ligonier health fair.
“A year ago, I found out that my cholesterol and blood sugar levels were elevated,” she said. “My mom is in Mexico, and her kidneys don’t work anymore. The services provided by NIHHC and my mom are the reasons why I’m committed to changing my lifestyle.”
Now, she drinks 2 liters of water daily and doesn’t eat red meat. A year later, she is seeing the change.
“Today, I learned that my cholesterol improved from 257 to 177 gm/dl, and my kidney functions are normal!” she said. “Thanks to the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition for helping me to stay healthy.”
Attendees received their results immediately, as well as education on those results. NIHHC’s bilingual trained volunteers and staff, including medical professionals, certified community health workers, nursing students from Manchester College and Spanish students from Grace College helped attendees understand their health screening results.
Thirty-eight percent of attendees were borderline diabetic, and 22% were at-risk of being diabetic. Fifty-three percent of attendees were in stage 1 or 2 of hypertension. Through these health screenings, offered in a culturally sensitive manner, plus the educational portion and doctor’s referral, community members are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and determine next steps in their health care, the release states.
Hispanics, in particular, are disproportionately uninsured and impacted by underlying conditions that can exacerbate illness, such as kidney disease and diabetes. Thus, partnerships with community organizations help NIHHC reach the community to work in prevention or management of chronic conditions.
“We are fortunate to have NIHHC’s services available in Kosciusko County, and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know our community and better understand their interests and needs,” said Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer. “Many Hispanics now feel comfortable approaching me at events, thanks to the bridge that NIHHC has built. The city of Warsaw is proud to serve all of our residents.”
NIHHC is grateful to the sponsors, donors, and health screening providers who made this event possible. Together, the community can ensure access to health care services and improved health outcomes for all, the release states.
The Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities by providing preventative health screenings, education and advocacy with a primary focus on Hispanics.
For more information on NIHHC’s programs and services, call NIHHC at 574-522-0966 or toll free at 1-877-21-SALUD, or visit the website at www.nihhc.com.
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Over 150 people, including volunteers, attended the event; 95% of attendees were Hispanic, according to a news release from NIHHC.
All health screenings and services were offered free of cost to any community member, with no appointment or doctor’s referral needed. Health screenings included kidney screenings (urinalysis and creatinine), lipid panel, cholesterol, glucose, A1C, blood pressure, body mass index, back screenings and vision. A total of 1,013 health screenings were given.
Thanks to Kosciusko County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health, 19 COVID-19 and 15 flu shots were given to adults and children ages 5 and older. COVID-19 home testing kits, donated by Zimmer Biomet, were distributed to attendees. To help address transportation needs, and thanks to the Indiana Department of Health, NIHHC distributed a $25 gas gift card to those who received a COVID-19 or flu shot.
NIHHC’s health fairs provide a holistic approach to health and overcome barriers to accessing health care through bilingual and culturally sensitive services, according to the news release.
One attendee said she follows NIHHC wherever it goes because she doesn’t have health insurance. Last year, she participated in NIHHC’s Ligonier health fair.
“A year ago, I found out that my cholesterol and blood sugar levels were elevated,” she said. “My mom is in Mexico, and her kidneys don’t work anymore. The services provided by NIHHC and my mom are the reasons why I’m committed to changing my lifestyle.”
Now, she drinks 2 liters of water daily and doesn’t eat red meat. A year later, she is seeing the change.
“Today, I learned that my cholesterol improved from 257 to 177 gm/dl, and my kidney functions are normal!” she said. “Thanks to the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition for helping me to stay healthy.”
Attendees received their results immediately, as well as education on those results. NIHHC’s bilingual trained volunteers and staff, including medical professionals, certified community health workers, nursing students from Manchester College and Spanish students from Grace College helped attendees understand their health screening results.
Thirty-eight percent of attendees were borderline diabetic, and 22% were at-risk of being diabetic. Fifty-three percent of attendees were in stage 1 or 2 of hypertension. Through these health screenings, offered in a culturally sensitive manner, plus the educational portion and doctor’s referral, community members are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and determine next steps in their health care, the release states.
Hispanics, in particular, are disproportionately uninsured and impacted by underlying conditions that can exacerbate illness, such as kidney disease and diabetes. Thus, partnerships with community organizations help NIHHC reach the community to work in prevention or management of chronic conditions.
“We are fortunate to have NIHHC’s services available in Kosciusko County, and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know our community and better understand their interests and needs,” said Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer. “Many Hispanics now feel comfortable approaching me at events, thanks to the bridge that NIHHC has built. The city of Warsaw is proud to serve all of our residents.”
NIHHC is grateful to the sponsors, donors, and health screening providers who made this event possible. Together, the community can ensure access to health care services and improved health outcomes for all, the release states.
The Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities by providing preventative health screenings, education and advocacy with a primary focus on Hispanics.
For more information on NIHHC’s programs and services, call NIHHC at 574-522-0966 or toll free at 1-877-21-SALUD, or visit the website at www.nihhc.com.
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