When you think about health care, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a doctor’s visit or a vaccination. But there’s more to health care than those moments. At LMH Health, the Community Outreach and Engagement team is stepping up to help you take charge of your health in everyday life.
Allison Koonce, who leads this team, believes that getting involved in your own health can lead to better outcomes. “We want you to have the tools and knowledge to succeed,” she says. LMH Health offers classes and support groups for all ages, covering topics from childbirth to aging. They also partner with local organizations like Just Food and LiveWell Douglas County to promote access to healthy food and safe exercise.
The connection between food and health is significant. Many individuals face food insecurity, which can worsen health conditions. In 2019, Koonce collaborated with Just Food to create emergency food kits for patients leaving the hospital. These kits provide non-perishable items for those who may not have enough food at home. According to the LMH Health Foundation, support for this initiative comes from the Help & Healing Fund, showcasing the community’s commitment to health.
Each month, LMH Health also offers health screenings at Just Food, checking blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels. “This helps clients identify any health risks they may not be aware of,” Koonce explains. Regular screenings can lead to early detection and better management of health issues.
LiveWell Douglas County works to enhance the overall well-being of locals. Originally launched as LiveWell Lawrence in 2008, the initiative rebranded in 2018 to better serve the entire county. “We aim to create a community where everyone can thrive,” says Ginny Barnard, the executive director. Their efforts focus on areas like healthy food access, physical activity, and safe environments for children.
Data shows that car crashes are a leading cause of injury for kids. Recent studies indicate that proper car seat use can decrease the risk of fatal injuries by about 75% for children under three. This statistic underscores the importance of LiveWell’s sponsorship of Safe Kids Douglas County, providing free car seat checks to parents.
Understanding that exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, LiveWell Douglas County developed an innovative activity prescription program. Funded by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, this program helps people get moving. Doctors can write prescriptions for physical activity, which patients can use to access classes at local parks and recreation centers.
Participants in this program report several benefits, like improved A1C levels and better physical and mental health. LPRC, a partner in this effort, sees it as a chance to introduce more people to their facilities. “We want to make it easier for everyone to engage in fitness,” says Taylor Martin from LPRC.
Healthcare is about more than what happens in a clinic; it’s part of daily life. Collaborations among organizations like Just Food, LiveWell Douglas County, and LMH Health are reshaping how we view health care. As Koonce notes, “Every little effort counts—whether it’s a health screening or a parenting class. Wellness is a journey we undertake together.”
By building strong partnerships and encouraging community engagement, LMH Health is redefining what it means to support health. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term well-being.
For further reading, you can visit [LiveWell Douglas County](https://www.livewelldouglascounty.org) for more insights on community health initiatives.
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Health,Health care goes beyond the exam roomLiving,Health care goes beyond the exam room
