#SpotlightOnCLT: Heart and Blood Health
February is American Heart Month and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It is important to help spread the word about not only the risks, but also the solutions. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented and awareness is the first step!
We will be not only be highlighting our nonprofit partners who work to promote healthy hearts this month, but also those who help to promote healthy blood pumping through them as well! This month there are hearts almost everywhere you look - heart shaped balloons, cards and chocolate boxes, but let's not forget about those that are with us all year long and the nonprofits who help keep them going!
HeartBright Foundation
The HeartBright Foundation’s mission is to promote cardiovascular wellness through prevention, awareness, and partnerships in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. They focus mainly on cardiovascular wellness and education by treating the risks such as diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. HeartBright Foundation also offers a free clinic in the SouthEnd area which helps patients that have (or at high risk for) Heart Disease or Diabetes.
American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association
The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association's mission is to create a world free of heart disease and stroke where everyone can achieve the best possible health. They aim to solve complex issues, such as obesity, that affect this generation and generations to come. The organization focuses on promoting healthy eating, educating youth on the importance of diet, and encouraging CPR training.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need. Their network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, both locally and globally, through five key service areas: disaster relief, supporting American military families, lifesaving blood, health and safety services and international services.
Hemophilia of North Carolina
Hemophilia of North Carolina is dedicated to supporting people with bleeding disorders through advocacy, education, promotion of research, and delivery of supportive programs and services. They offer a variety of support groups for families, men, women, and Latinos, as well as other services including a strong patient advocacy program, financial assistance, scholarships, patient education, and more. Through education and support, we hope to help people avoid debilitating complications and live longer, and lead more active and healthier lives.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Founded in 1949, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancer. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Care Ring
Care Ring is dedicated to providing health services for the uninsured, underinsured or those lacking access to affordable, high-quality health care. Every day, they empower individuals with limited resources to establish and maintain good health through three quality programs: a Low-Cost Clinic, Nurse-Family Partnership and Physicians Reach Out. Care Ring’s Low-Cost Clinic recently won a Gold Award from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association for outstanding outcomes in lowering blood pressure readings in their patients.