ReachOut for Heart Health
in Hennepin County Conference
Ford W. Bell, MHIF President, serves
as moderator to a distinguished
panel of experts addressing populationspecific risk
issues. |
On January 27, 2005, the Minneapolis Heart
Institute Foundation and its partners hosted a one-day conference
titled ReachOut for Heart Health in Hennepin County. Over
100 representatives from community organizations involved
in promoting cardiovascular health among recognized health
disparate audiences were in attendance. The conference, which
was held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center,
provided participants with a wealth of information, ideas
and opportunities to assist them in better reaching and influencing
the cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention
needs of those communities they represent and serve. The
format included an overview of heart disease related issues
in Hennepin County and the state, presentations from recognized
topic experts, opportunities for participants to discuss
strategies with their colleagues, profiles of existing successful
program initiatives and an overview of available resources
to support local community hearthealth initiatives. In addition,
community agencies currently involved in successful community
heart health promotion initiatives targeting populations
at risk showcased their programs through presentations and
exhibits. In an effort to further encourage groups to initiate
and/or maintain these programs in their respective communities,
information was also shared on MHIF’s ReachOut Mini-Grant
Program, which will distribute over $25,000 in small grants
to support prevention initiatives state-wide throughout the
year.
Registered Dietitian Karen Blanchard
provided a cooking demonstration of featured ethnic
menu items during the lunch break. (See back cover
for one of the recipes!)
|
The conference represents one of several
important components of the ReachOut for Heart Health Initiative,
a broad-based effort designed to better reach and serve communities
of color, American Indians and other recognized health ReachOut
for Heart Health in Hennepin County Conference Ford W. Bell,
MHIF President, serves as moderator to a distinguished panel
of experts addressing populationspecific risk issues. disparate
groups in Minnesota through targeted heart disease prevention
programs, services and supports. Sponsorship support for
the ReachOut Conference was provided by Abbott Northwestern
Hospital/Minneapolis Heart Institute, the American Heart
Association, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Hennepin
County Human Services Department, the Minnesota Department
of Health, Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco,
City of Minneapolis, the James Ford Bell Foundation, Stratis
Health and the YWCA-Minneapolis.
In conjunction with “Heart Month,” 198 community
members joined MHIF for its annual In Touch With Heart Health
cholesterol/glucose screening and education seminar. The
two-part event, consisting of a heart screening and follow-up
presentations, was held at Our Lady of Peace Church in south
Minneapolis. On Saturday morning, February 12th, registrants
participated in a fasting cholesterol/ glucose screening,
blood pressure screening, and completed a computerized heart
risk assessment. On Thursday evening, February 24th, participants
received their results and heard presentations by Dr. Barry
Welge, Dr. Ronald Tarrel and dietitian, Susan White. Presenters
shared valuable prevention information on risk factors for
heart disease and stroke, and eating and shopping for hearthealthy
foods. The three presenters, along with trained health educators,
were available at the conclusion of the program to provide
additional counseling and support to interested participants.
