Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS BEDFORD MEDICAL CENTER, Bedford, OH
Dare to C.A.R.E.

What is it?
Dare to C.A.R.E. is a new community outreach program that screens participants for vascular disease of the Carotid arteries, Abdominal aortic aneurysms, Renal artery disease, and Extremity artery disease. Three UH facilities participate: UH Bedford Medical Center, UH Geauga Medical Center, and UH Richmond Medical Center.

Who is it for?
Screenings are free to individuals age 60 and older, and to those younger with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Why do they do it?
The program is designed to detect cardiovascular disease in the early, treatable stages. Since its inception in May 2006, the hospitals have screened more than 6,000 community members, and approximately 10 percent of those tests had elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, presence of disease in their carotid or peripheral arteries, or an enlargement of the abdominal aorta. Another 2 to 3 percent had critical or potentially life-threatening risk assessments through this program. All were referred to their primary care physicians for further evaluation and treatment. 

Contact: Nancy DeSantis
Marketing Director
Telephone: 440-735-3505
Email: nancy.desantis@uhhospitals.org