Page 8 - Cleveland Clinic Akron General

“The pandemic has shined a spotlight on the need in our community, as well as the disparities that often exist between the support that’s available to different sectors of our community. United Way is committed to working with partners like Cleveland Clinic Akron General to make sure that help is available to anyone who needs it.”
—Jim Mullen, President and CEO of United Way of Summit County
PHILANTHROPY PRIORITY:
Expanding Community Health Initiatives
COVID-19 TESTING SITE IN AKRON
Akron General recognized the need for COVID-19 testing
in Akron, especially for underserved neighborhoods. In partnership with United Way, the City of Akron, Summit County Public Health, and the County Executive’s Office, Akron General opened a COVID-19 testing location on South Broadway in downtown Akron. This site is an important step in addressing the health disparities affecting minority populations. United Way will provide referrals to supportive services across Summit County – from nutritional support to housing assistance.
Expanded testing and providing supportive services following tests are urgent needs during this public health crisis.
MINORITY MEN’S HEALTH FAIR
Black men face markedly increased rates of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Prostate cancer is two times more prevalent in minority men who are also twice as likely to die from the disease. Many also face socio-economic barriers to healthcare, meaning that they are more likely to be diagnosed at later, less treatable stages. To address these concerns, Akron General hosts an annual Minority Men’s Health Fair that provides free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, colorectal and prostate cancer, kidney function, HIV, and depression. Men who receive a potentially positive test result are navigated to appropriate follow-up care.
Since 2018, 550 men have attended, but this number is just a fraction of the men we need to reach in Akron.
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