Page 24 - St. John's Healthcare Foundation FY17 Annual Report

“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated…Whatever

affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Diabetes Self-Management Program Human connections within our community
Diabetes is on the rise, yet many cases are preventable with healthy lifestyle We do that by providing basic resources, such as food and diapers, and also
changes. Some cases can even be reversed. But all cases can be managed by connecting mothers to other community resources and public programs. A
more comprehensively through connecting people with educational resources. generous investment from our donors supported these efforts. In their words:
In 2016, St. John’s Hospital introduced its Diabetes Empowerment & Education
Program (DEEP), a comprehensive diabetes prevention and management Medical Camp Partnership “I started the Senior Wellness program to help with
program that offers education in Spanish and English, health screenings, The annual Medical Camp is a model of collaboration with community partners balance after I had a stroke. I love to dance, so the line
counseling, and referrals to medical services. A supportive peer environment – including Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Sathya Sai Baba, The Lion’s Club and dancing classes were just right for me since I have no
Human connections within our community
helps participants gain knowledge and skills so that they can make healthy St. John’s Hospitals – and volunteer physicians, nurses and lay people. Though partner. I had so much fun that when the instructor left
lifestyle choices and take control of their health. The six-month DEEP program there are many health fairs in Ventura County, the Medical Camp is the only I decided to learn the steps so that I could share it with
grew from 29 participants in its first year to 37 participants in its second year. program where physicians and nurses provide direct services. others. I enjoy the positive feeling that I get from being
Participant feedback shows that the program is impactful. Your investments in • More than 646 people were served at this one-day medical camp, including active and being with others.” Bonnie, 76
St. John’s Hospital supported the program in 2016/17, in its second year health screenings (blood glucose, hemoglobin, BMI, cholesterol, blood
of operation. pressure) and evaluation. “I want to remain active and with less pain. For the five
• 454 vision exams were provided, with 408 prescription glasses donated by years I’ve been coming, I’ve kept my diabetes and blood
Mobile Unit the Oxnard Lion’s Club. 199 people received eyeglasses for the first time. pressure controlled.” Rosa
St. John’s Hospitals Mobile Unit was seen throughout Ventura County last • 259 children and adults received a dental screening
year at regularly scheduled times and at community events. Services offered • 83 women received mammograms, and 62 women received pap-smears “Ten years ago I lost my son and wife. I had no one
are provided by staff with the help of medical students and include free to be with. I started walking with the group to keep
immunizations and flu shots to children and adults, blood pressure screening, Senior Wellness Program active. Now I stay active and connected, and I encourage
BMI testing, and hemoglobin tests. The Senior Wellness Program offers senior residents the opportunity to walk, others.” David, 86
dance and stretch with other seniors at various locations in Ventura County.
Mother and Child Wellness The exercise groups helped seniors to increase physical activity and improve “Hace varios años empecé a caminar con el grupo aquí.
Deep human connection is the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will their flexibility, balance, and strength. Health screenings, available at the same Perdí peso y ahora mantengo mi presión y diabetes, y
inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity. – Melinda Gates locations, helped them track critical health markers with the support of health encontré amigos.” Blanca
professionals. Last year, 3,961 contacts were made in the Walking Program,
At St. John’s Hospitals we are committed to a Healthy Beginning for infants and as well as 292 flu shots were given, and 2,469 blood pressure screenings and “I joined Bone Builders because my heart doctor told
moms. Our program is focused on making sure that through pregnancy and 2,010 blood glucose screenings were taken as part of the Senior Wellness me about the program after I had open heart surgery. I
after, mothers have access to education, medical care, and other resources. Program. The seniors are proud to share that it is the social connections they keep coming to get out of the house and away from the
have made via the program, that keep them coming back faithfully for years. TV. Here I am moving and talk to friends.” John, 85
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