Florida Heart Research Institute, Health Foundation of South Florida, United Way of Miami-Dade, and Community Health of South Florida, Inc. announced they are joining forces on an innovative project that is projected to save hundreds of lives in South Miami-Dade over the next two years. The project, Living for Health in South Miami-Dade, will provide $185,000 toward free screenings for more than 4,000 underserved and uninsured residents to identify those at risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity and get them into treatment before they suffer a life threatening event.
Typically, Florida Heart Research Institute has found that anywhere from 45 60% of those screened require follow up medical care ranging from treatment for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or glucose to immediate hospitalization. Those found to be at risk will be urged to see a physician and counseled on simple lifestyle steps that can reduce or reverse those risks. Living for Health is a unique community based approach to health because those without a physician or insurance will be referred to Community Health of South Florida, Inc. a local federally qualified health center that treats the underserved on a sliding fee scale based on their ability to pay. In addition, anyone identified as high risk will be followed by Florida Heart for three months to ensure that treatment was sought, clinical values improved and that changes in diet and physical activity levels are maintained. “We are proud to partner with the Florida Heart Research Institute on this groundbreaking project” announced Steven Marcus, Ed D., President and CEO of Health Foundation of South Florida. “Living for Health closes the loop because it connects people without access to care to a medical home, saves lives, keeps people out of emergency rooms and saves the healthcare delivery system countless dollars”, adds Kathleen T. DuCasse, Florida Hearts Chief Executive Officer.
