News Room - Press Releases

Norfolk, Va. (June 6, 2006) - Bon Secours Hampton Roads (BSHR) announced today that the Let's Get Real (LGR) program received a $75,000 grant from the Bon Secours Health System Inc. Mission Fund.  BSHR created LGR four years ago in response to the high incidence of heart disease and heart disease deaths among African-American women in the Hampton Roads area. 
Grant funds will be used to support LGR activities throughout the Hampton Roads area.  LGR is a community outreach program designed to reduce risk factors of heart disease among African-American women.  This is the third consecutive year the Mission Fund awarded a grant to this program.
“LGR is unique to this community,” said program manager Rick Spencer.  “The program is designed to embrace the attitudes, values and beliefs of African-Americans.  Lifestyle changes presented by program staff are both enjoyable and effective.” 

The culturally appropriate components consist of:

• Cookin’ Light - A healthier approach to traditional soul food and fast food diets that tend to have too much fat and sodium.
• Rhythm of Life - An aerobic workout that weaves African dance movements and music into an exciting aerobic workout.
• Check Yourself - Health screenings are used to assess risk for heart disease.
• The Tree of Life - Educates participants about the link between heredity, family culture and heart disease.

“Partnerships with churches, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., health care professionals and community leaders have made LGR a success,” said Richard Hanson, CEO, BSHR.  “By raising health awareness through improved nutritional and exercise habits, LGR is making a real difference toward creating a healthier community.”

The program was featured at the Catholic Health Assembly, the national conference sponsored by the Catholic Health Association, June 5.

###

Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is a leading health care organization known for providing care for the whole person with grace and clinical distinction. Bon Secours brings together a network of hospitals, primary care practices, ambulatory care sites and continuing care facilities to provide quality health care services to the residents of Hampton Roads. Bon Secours, which employs more than 4,500, includes: Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center and St. Francis Nursing Center.