CVS/pharmacy offering free health screenings through 'A Su Salud'
WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy will be offering free health risk assessments and screenings to people in underserved areas nationwide during 2010 via its "A Su Salud" (To Your Health) health fairs.
More than 800 events are scheduled for 2010 in cities including Miami; Los Angeles; Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas; San Francisco; and Sacramento and Fresno, Calif.
"This recession has made it more critical than ever for people to have access to adequate and affordable health care," stated Troy Brennan, M.D., chief medical officer for CVS Caremark. "Hispanics are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases like diabetes and we are pleased to help make these health services more accessible to help aid in early detection and lower their risk levels for disease and complications."
The fairs provide diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and osteoporosis screenings, and also examine patients for oral care, provide referrals for mammograms and pap smears, and offer consultations with doctors and pharmacists. In 2009, CVS/pharmacy provided free and low-cost medical screenings and services valued at $49 million to the community through the A Su Salud program and direct referrals from the events.
Of the more than 195,000 people screened during last year's events, many health concerns were discovered, including:
- 33% had high cholesterol
- 36% had a high to moderate risk of developing osteoporosis
- 28% had hypertension
- 22% had diabetes, with more than half being diagnosed with diabetes for the first time.
In addition, many of the health fairs included cancer screening for women where more than 16,000 women across the country were referred to these free services. This year, CVS/pharmacy will again partner with local and state agencies to host mobile units offering low-cost and no-cost cancer detection services for women, including mammograms and pap smears.