Kasson, MN (August 12, 2022) — Minnesota State Senator Carla Nelson joined the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and We Work For Health at Kasson Festival in the Park with the “Roadmap to Health” program event. The Roadmap to Health program makes its fourth stop in Minnesota and has continued to provide information and resources to Minnesotans to help empower individuals with knowledge about their health.
Roadmap to Health was developed in response to the rising rates of chronic disease in the United States. According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), 3 million Minnesota residents had at least one chronic disease in 2015 and the number of people living with multiple chronic diseases continues to grow.
Health challenges burden residents throughout Minnesota, including high rates of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. According to a 2021 Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Summary by the Minnesota Department of Health, chronic diseases are ongoing and may require attention.
At the heart of the problem, nationally and in Minnesota, lies access; communities most acutely impacted are less likely to be able to access resources to help prevent, detect, and treat chronic disease. The PFCD estimates that more than 18,300 lives could be saved in Minnesota each year with better prevention and treatment of chronic disease.
Inside the Roadmap to Health mobile screening vehicle, participants can receive preventative health and wellness screenings administered and conducted by an independent medical screening firm, US Wellness. In addition to access to a nutritionist on site, the available screenings include:
· Total cholesterol
· HDL cholesterol
· Blood pressure
· Body mass index or BMI
As Roadmap to Health makes its way to other communities, additional screenings may be added.
“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the Roadmap to Health program at Kasson Festival in the Park today. Knowledge is power and our community deserves to be empowered with the knowledge and resources to support individuals in living the healthiest lives possible. I am grateful to our community partners for bringing this vital resource to Kasson,” said Minnesota State Senator Carla Nelson.
PhRMA aims to empower individuals to protect and improve their health and wellness by providing these community resources, including no-cost health screenings through the Roadmap to Health program.
“On behalf of PhRMA, we’d like to thank State Senator Carla Nelson for joining us and the Kasson Festival in the Park for hosting the Roadmap to Health program. We enjoy working with our partners in Minnesota to offer health screenings and educational information on protecting or improving the health and well-being of those who call Minnesota home,” said Reid Porter, senior director of state public affairs, PhRMA.
“Rural residents face greater challenges to accessing health care, especially preventative screenings, simply because of the distances between communities. The delay, until a condition presents, is a major contributing factor to outcome disparities between rural and urban populations. Bringing free health screenings directly to Minnesota residents is a wonderful way for them to take charge of their health by knowing their numbers. I appreciate the help and coordination of partners like Roadmap to Health, PhRMA, and We Work For Health, for creating this opportunity to help people protect their health,” said Minnesota State Representative Duane Quam.
Roadmap to Health will continue its road trip across the states in the coming weeks and will partner with community organizations, faith-based centers and others to provide resources to underserved communities.
Information provided during Roadmap to Health programs is for informational and/or educational purposes only. The program is not engaged in rendering medical or similar professional services or advice, and the information provided is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a health care professional. Individuals should consult a physician or other medical professional for advice regarding any medical condition or treatment.