Our Programs
Screening tests are an excellent way to find out if a person is at risk of certain diseases before symptoms begin or when they are easier to treat. Over the past 13 years, the Loretto Hospital Foundation has been raising money to support various health screening and education initiatives for Austin residents. The purpose of these programs is to: raise awareness about the most common illness often plague African American and Hispanic Communities; identify individuals who may be at risk of developing the disease; and then to provide opportunities to receive treatment at Loretto Hospital.
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Our diabetes screening program tests individuals for undiagnosed or pre-diabetes. Our program includes the Jay Cutler Diabetes Screening Program, the Tyronne Stoudemire, and Lester Coney.
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by high levels of sugar in your blood. There are more than 18 million people in the United States living with diabetes. The most common form of diabetes is type 2-diabetes, usually found in adults. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all diagnosed cases. Early symptoms of type 2-diabetes are usually subtle and can seem harmless. However, people with diabetes are at risk of developing other life-threatening illnesses such as: heart disease, strokes, blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease and amputation of limbs, and impotence in men. Possible signs include: increased thirst or frequent urination; fatigue; weight loss; blurred vision; slow-healing sores or frequent infections; tingling hands and feet; and red, swollen, tender gums.
Our Diabetes Screening Program tests individuals who have undiagnosed or pre-diabetes. Patients are encouraged to see their doctor or other health care providers for further testing and treatment. Our patients receive effective treatment and are educated on how to effectively manage and control their diabetes.
Supporters of the Loretto Hospital Foundation Diabetes Screening Program
- Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears Quarterback
- Lester “Les” Coney, Executive Vice President of Mesirow Financial
- Tyronne Stoudemire, Inclusion Senior Operations Director at Aon Hewitt Associates
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Our Breast Cancer Education and Prevention Program women the opportunity to participate in a host of educational programs and access to affordable mammograms. The program is supported by Connie L. Lindsey, Dr. Sandy Goldberg and NBC 5’s Art Norman.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Next to skin cancer, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Each year, more than 39-thousand women die from this disease; and for women in the African-American community, the mortality rate is even higher. According to recent statistics issued by the Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force, African American women are less likely to develop breast cancer, but they die from it more often than Caucasian women due to disparities in health care. In 2009, the mortality rate for African American women with breast cancer was 42 percent nationwide. Quite startling, the mortality rate among African American women with breast cancer in Chicago was 64 percent.
Our Breast Cancer Education and Prevention Program provides opportunities for women to participate in Loretto Hospital’s $50 Mammogram Program, attend Loretto Hospital’s Annual Pink Café Breast Health Education event, to receive one-on-one assistance from a qualified patient navigator, as well as to have full access to the Connie Lindsey Cancer Resource Center located at Loretto Hospital.
Supporters of the Loretto Hospital Foundation Breast Health Education Program
- Connie L. Lindsey, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Northern Trust, Chicago
- Art Norman, Anchor/Reporter, NBC 5 Chicago
- Dr. Sandy Goldberg, A Silver Lining Foundation
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Paint Austin Pink is an education and outreach initiative and partnership between the Loretto Hospital Foundation, Loretto Hospital, and local businesses, to raise awareness about breast cancer, its impact on women from our community, and the importance of regular breast health screenings. Through Paint Austin Pink, our goal is to increase the mammography screening rates among women in the community communities while bringing attention to the huge disparities in breast cancer outcomes among residents on the Greater West Side of Chicago. Paint Austin Pink kicks off each October and runs concurrently with Loretto Hospital’s month-long $50 Mammogram Program.
Paint Austin Pink 2017 Toolkit (Downloadable PDF)
2017 Invitation: Paint Austin Pink – Networking for the Cure (Register HERE)
Paint Austin Pink Networking for a Cause Oct.12.2017 Event
2017 Paint Austin Pink Business Invitation Letter
2017 Paint Austin Pink Social Media Toolkit
2017 Paint Austin Pink Participation Form
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Our Senior Health and Wellness Program is designed for seniors ages 60 and older to help them to stay healthy and active while enjoying social and recreational activities.The program is supported by radio talk show host, Pervis Spann, of WVON-AM 1390.
Our Senior Health and Wellness Program is designed for seniors ages 60 and older to help them to stay healthy and active while enjoying social and recreational activities. Program participants receive access to health screenings and free transportation to and from clinic appointments at Loretto Hospital, and full access to the hospital’s social events and health education sessions. Seniors can also take advantage of Loretto Hospital’s Golden Life Senior Wellness Program.
Supporters of the Senior Wellness Program
- Pervis Spann, Talk Show Host, WVON-AM 1390
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Our Prostate Cancer Screening Program provides PSA screenings for men ages 40 and over, as well as access to qualified patient navigators through the American Cancer Society. The program is supported by James Reynolds, Ralph Hughes, Pat Boone and Connie L. Lindsey.
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. According to the latest research issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 233,000 men in the United States were diagnosed with prostate cancer last year; and more than 29,000 died of the disease. What is even more alarming is that the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. In addition, some men are at a higher risk of getting the disease due to family history and race.
Our Prostate Cancer Screening Program provides PSA screenings for men ages 40 and over. The program also provides access to qualified patient navigators through the American Cancer Society and full access to the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center at Loretto Hospital. At Loretto Hospital, patients receive effective treatment, receive healthy eating tips from a certified dietician, and learn how to best manage their cancer diagnosis.
Supporters of the Prostate Cancer Screening Program
- Connie L. Lindsey, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Northern Trust, Chicago
- James Reynolds, co-founder, Loop Capital Markets
- Ralph Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Communications and External Affairs for Macy’s Stores in the Midwest and Texas
- Pat Boone, Singer/Actor
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The James D. Montgomery Men’s Health Program provides an array of comprehensive and preventive treatment, health education and support services for men who do not receive routine physicals, and is supported by Chicago-renown Attorney James D. Montgomery of Cochran, Cherry, Givens & Montgomery; and Everette and Timothy Rand.
The James D. Montgomery Men’s Health Program provides an array of comprehensive and preventive treatment, health education and support services for men who do not receive routine physicals. The program was established in 2004 and was named in honor of James D. Montgomery, a well-respected Chicago attorney and advocate for the hospital who helped raise money to fund the program. Services include: healthcare screenings for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, prostate cancer and hypertension; education and awareness; clinical and hospital treatment; networking and support groups; and medical referrals.
Supporters of the James D. Montgomery Men’s Health Program
- James D. Montgomery, Attorney, Cochran, Cherry, Givens & Montgomery, Ltd.
- Everette and Timothy Rand, co-owners of Midway Airport Concessionaries and two of three co-founders of the Chicago Football Classic.
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The Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center opened in 2012 to provide the Austin and surrounding communities a central place to learn about cancer, how to deal with the disease and possible treatments. The center is supported by Connie L. Lindsey, the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen.
The center is another effort by Loretto Hospital to continue its mission of providing access to high quality, patient-centered healthcare while promoting wellness and education to the community. The goal of the center is to provide the community with access to a place where they can come and learn, and be empowered to take on the challenge of dealing with cancer. In addition, the center will serve as a liaison to other cancer organizations and support groups. The center contains a library of health education materials in English and Spanish, including: books, periodicals, videos and other valuable information on cancer. Guests will also be able to utilize the media center to learn about other resources, treatment options, clinical trials and support groups. The center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Supporters of the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center
- Connie L. Lindsey, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Northern Trust, Chicago
- American Cancer Society
- Susan G. Komen
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The Loretto Hospital Foundation raises money toward the education and treatment of asthma for residents in the Austin and surrounding communities. Our program is supported by Earl Jones and Robert Blackwell in honor of the late Leah Blackwell Griffin.
Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways that causes the lungs to narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing very difficult and trigger symptoms of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath – or an asthma attack. For some people, asthma is just a minor problem. However for others, asthmas can be a very serious problem and even life threatening. There are more than 34 million Americans suffering from mild-to-serious asthma issues. In children – especially in urban communities like Austin – asthma is on the rise.
With proper education, treatment and medication, asthma can be controlled and managed. The Loretto Hospital Foundation raises money toward the education and treatment of asthma for residents in the Austin and surrounding communities who suffer from asthma.
Supporters of the Asthma Clinic
- Earl Jones, President and Market Manager of Clear Channel Radio Chicago, and
- Robert Blackwell, Sr., Founder and Owner Blackwell Consulting Services
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For more than 40 years, Loretto Hospital has provided comprehensive treatment and care to individuals with behavioral health problems throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and as far south as downstate Illinois. Our program is supported by Abe Thompson and The McGowen Foundation.
Mental and emotional health disorders, substance abuse and addictive behavior are common issues that affect people from all walks of life. For more than 40 years, Loretto Hospital has provided comprehensive treatment and care to individuals with behavioral health problems throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and as far south as downstate Illinois. Each patient receives individualized treatment and care in a safe and therapeutic environment. Our treatment includes the use of Loretto Hospital’s supportive and ancillary services which are tailored to meet our patient’s needs. We offer outpatient and inpatient services for substance abuse, addictive behavior, emotional health disorders and psychiatric disorders.
Supporters of the Behavioral Health Program
- Abe Thompson, in memory of Launa Thompson
- The McGowen Foundation
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The Loretto Youth Council (LYC) on Healthcare is a program created by the Loretto Hospital Foundation to bring together, educate and involve students in and around the Austin Community about the relevant health issues impacting today’s youth.
The LYC on Healthcare serves as a platform for members to not only discuss these topics, but to also empower them to be health advocates for themselves and their peers while fostering camaraderie and healthy relationships with other youth in the community. Members participate in workshops; hear from motivational speakers; and, most importantly, be encouraged in becoming the next generation of health care leaders. The program is tailored for high school and upper level elementary school students.
Health Education Think Tanks
The LYC on Healthcare members participate in interactive, informational, and age-appropriate peer think tanks that focus on issues such as: youth violence, mental health, drugs, and HIV/AIDS. Members learn invaluable information about these topics, and walk away with an abundance of information regarding prevention, treatment, and other helpful resources.
Express Yourself
Members also have the opportunity to participate in specialty workshops designed for them to demonstrate a healthy expression of their feelings through literary and artistic techniques. The workshops features expressive writing, etc. in conjunction with social media engagement strategies to promote positive platform for healthy expression for other youth in the community.
Get Fit and Stay Fit
The LYC on Healthcare believes in catering to the mind, body and soul of our members so we host healthy food preparation and cooking demonstrations to teach council members about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. With the help of a nutritionist and other health experts, members create and share recipes ideas and learn some stress relieving workouts.
Creating Financial Health (High School Students)
The LYC on Healthcare also helps members prepare for adulthood and college by holding finance workshops. Participants learn about money management, savings planning, scholarship/grant opportunities, etc. Financial experts are available to advise members on how to create their own individualized financial plans and goals for achieving them.
For more information about the Loretto Youth Council (LYC) on Healthcare call Angela K. Walker, community relations manager, at (773) 854-5275 or via email at angela.walker@lorettohospital.org.
Support the LYC on Healthcare’s Go Fund Me campaign: Coalition for Youth Summer Work Experience.
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