Not-For-Profit Heart Center for South Asians in California Provides No-Cost Screening, Information
California-based South Asian Heart Center -- a not-for-profit facility located in El Camino Hospital that seeks to prevent coronary artery disease in people of South Asian descent -- "has passed several major milestones," including screening more than 500 patients since opening a few months ago, the Siliconeer/New America Media reports. The center, which began in 2004 through the efforts of more than 80 health professionals and South Asian community leaders, provides no-cost screenings, educational programs, disease management and other culturally appropriate programs. It is funded through private donations and in-kind contributions from El Camino Hospital. Because it does not provide direct medical care, the center sends patients back to their private physicians. About 500 people are on a waiting list for services. Ashish Mathur, the center's executive director, said the center has "launched a physician advisory board, a wellness program, a restaurant partnership program and educational initiatives to help us heighten awareness and give our participants the resources they need to reduce their risk." The center also recently launched a monthly lecture series on nutrition, behavior modification, fitness and exercise, as well as other topics. Mathur added, "There is always much more to be achieved. We cannot rest on our laurels. But we feel that as an all volunteer-staffed and supported organization, we can take pride in our accomplishments to date. Now, we want to reach a wider base of South Asians and their doctors. We won't rest until we have brought this epidemic of heart disease under control" (Siliconeer/New America Media, 4/9).
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