CHESTERFIELD – The Northeastern Rural Health Network’s (NRHN) Catch Hope program, co-sponsored with the Chesterfield Family YMCA, held a free public health screening on March 11 from 8 a.m. until noon at the YMCA facility, located on Hwy. 9.

Catch Hope Outreach Coordinator, Latonja Richardson, said around 38 people ventured out to take advantage of the free event.

James Coley, director of the Chesterfield Family YMCA said, “We try to help with these type of events as often as possible.”

Richardson said, “The screenings include checking for Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar, total cholesterol and a health risk assessment is also provided.”

Northeastern Technical College Nursing Instructor, Nancy White, along with a selected group of nursing students who are currently in NETC’s Associate’s Degree in Nursing, R.N. program, were also on hand to help perform the screenings under White’s instruction.

The students included Lindsay Plummer, Ashley Bittle, Danielle Boyd, Christopher Parker, Daniel Carlisle and Tonya Johnson.

Also present, was University of South Carolina (USC) Bachelors of Science Degree student, Christine Gray, who also assisted with the screenings.

“Through our “Catch Hope” program, we are striving daily to get the word out to help promote healthier hearts and minds that is achieved through better health, fitness and wellness. By holding these free health screenings, we can sustain a healthier community culture in South Carolina. We also want people to realize the importance of staying healthy, both physically and mentally,” said Richardson.

Those who partner with NRHN and the “Catch Hope” program are CareSouth Carolina, Inc., Chesterfield County Coordinating Council, Chesterfield General Hospital, the Marlboro County Inter-Agency Council, Marlboro Park Hospital, Northeastern Technical College (NETC) in Cheraw, the Tri-County Community Mental Health Center, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Region 4, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the ALPHA Center.

“We encourage these type of screenings that can help detect early chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and behavior health conditions. The screenings are an avenue to help save lives and they are free,” Richardson added.

According to Richardson, steps can be taken to improve a healthier lifestyle such as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, managing your weight and adding exercise and fitness into your daily routines.

For more information about NRHN and the Catch Hope program, contact Latonja Richardson at 843-623-5266 or e-mail ccccricjards@shtc.net.