The McLaren Flint Foundation was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to support community stroke screenings. The Community Foundation’s support is made possible through its Compassionate Living Fund, Arthur L. Tuuri Health Fund, and Healthy Youth/Healthy Seniors Fund. The grant assures the screenings will continue to be offered at no cost to Genesee County residents.
It’s a goal five years in the making for McLaren Flint’s neurosciences stroke coordinator Ashley Yotkois, BSN, RN. McLaren Flint’s stroke center has partnered with other health care providers and the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic to form the Flint Stroke Coalition which offers the free monthly stroke screenings to the community.
“The stroke screenings not only screen for stroke but help people to identify health concerns that could cause other comorbidities,” said Yotkois. “They also provide the opportunity for participants to ask questions about how they can achieve a healthier lifestyle. This effort is so important to me and that’s why I kept pursuing it. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. I know these screenings will make a difference in the health of the community and have the potential to save lives.”
A fund founded by McLaren Flint’s interventional neurologists also supports the monthly screenings.
The free screenings include:
- Diabetes screening- Hemoglobin A1C
- Full Lipid Panel including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Sleep disorder risk assessment
- Risk-reduction plan
- Results counseling and education
Free stroke screenings are available monthly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of most months. Screenings take place at the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic, 2437 Welch Blvd, Flint, MI 48504. For more information call 810-235-4211 or visit gcfmc.org