WISNER, Neb., - March 21, 2013 - Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department’s, Operation Heart to Heart program has reached over 400 agricultural workers in Burt, Madison, Stanton and Cuming counties since the program began in January 2013. The goals of the program are to: reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), provide innovative cardiovascular health screening opportunities among agricultural workers, provide free case management for those people screened who are found to be at elevated risk and to educate the general public on cardiovascular disease.
Agricultural workers are being targeted for screening and case management as information has shown that these workers often experience extensive CVD risk factors. Many are dealing with financial hardships, high healthcare costs, low rates of health insurance coverage and the lack of medical clinic locations and/or inconvenience of clinic hours.
In addition to the screening and case management services targeted to agricultural workers, the program also is providing a comprehensive health education component for the whole community. A health educator will provide free-of-charge classes to organizations, groups and businesses on topics such as: blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, healthy weight and healthy nutrition.
To learn more about Operation Heart to Heart and how you or your organization can get involved, contact Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department at 402-529-2233. The Operation Heart to Heart program is funded by the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation.