The Loretto Hospital and Loretto Hospital Foundation have announced a free summer screening series designed to heighten community awareness and intervention against the health risks disproportionately impacting Chicago’s West Side. The “Don’t Stress, Take the Test!” series will kick off on Saturday, July 31, with a community appreciation health and wellness festival outside Gus Uncle Remus and Guilty Pleasurez Bakery, 4731 W. Madison St.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., individuals are invited to take advantage of a range of onsite health screening opportunities, speak with hospital staff, gather educational materials and other informational resources, and register to win prizes and giveaways.
Free onsite services include blood pressure and glucose screenings, COVID-19 testing, and STI and HIV testing. Uninsured and underinsured attendees living within the zip codes of 60651, 60644, 60624, 60623 and 60612 will also have the opportunity to sign up for free-of-charge mammograms, as well as cervical and prostate cancer screenings.
“Lack of access to potentially life-saving screening and early intervention plays a significant role in the heightened incidence of heart disease, diabetes, many cancers, and other debilitating medical conditions within our community,” said Lois Clarke, MD, at The Loretto Hospital. “We are determined to stem that disparity, one neighbor at a time.”
Participating partners in Loretto’s “Don’t Stress, Take the Test!” summer screening series include the University of Illinois Chicago Cancer Center, Bridging Cancer Care, Fathers with Care, Westside Community Stakeholders, Women of Self Love Inc., and Chicago House.
For more information, visit www.lorettohospital.org.