IRC Boise Runs a Heart Health Screening

On   April 17, 2012, IRC Boise hosted volunteers from  the University of Idaho Nursing program, who screened 12 IRC Boise clients for factors that increase risk of heart conditions, including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.  While some refugees qualify for Medicaid coverage that extends beyond the first eight months of initial resettlement, and some secure jobs with private insurance, many lose Medicaid coverage after being in the U.S. for eight months.  The heart health screening was an opportunity for refugees to continue monitoring their well-being even if currently uninsured.  As a part of the screening event, clients who had concerns identified through the screenings were provided with  referrals to their primary care physicians, and with teaching on what to do next to protect their health, including improvements to diet, food to avoid and exercises to perform to improve their health.