Ascension St. Francis Builds Healthy Bridges to the Community
Ascension Community Services aims to keep the community healthy by addressing the social barriers that cause health disparities. The team treats the whole person – body, mind and spirit, with a focus on listening with compassion. They serve as a bridge between underserved and vulnerable populations with the goal to empower community members and lift them up.
One way to do this important work is by getting outside the hospital walls and into the community. Near Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, the Jackson Park Farmers Market, provides an open-air concept that brings locally grown fruits, vegetables, and foods crafted by Wisconsin vendors to Jackson Park and surrounding community residents. The Market is operated by volunteers who are passionate about supporting local businesses and engagement in healthy neighborhood activities.
Ascension clinicians and bilingual health navigators reach more 700 community members through outreach opportunities like local farmers markets with the goal of connecting with people who are often at risk for poor health outcomes and making an impact to:
The team focuses on three main groups: individuals living with diabetes and chronic diseases, high-risk moms and infants, and older adults. After speaking with Ascension clinicians, residents earn tokens for discounts off fresh produce. The care team, including nurses and family medicine residents, evaluate, educate and connect those they meet with needed resources by providing:
One way to do this important work is by getting outside the hospital walls and into the community. Near Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, the Jackson Park Farmers Market, provides an open-air concept that brings locally grown fruits, vegetables, and foods crafted by Wisconsin vendors to Jackson Park and surrounding community residents. The Market is operated by volunteers who are passionate about supporting local businesses and engagement in healthy neighborhood activities.
Ascension clinicians and bilingual health navigators reach more 700 community members through outreach opportunities like local farmers markets with the goal of connecting with people who are often at risk for poor health outcomes and making an impact to:
- Reduce the infant mortality rate
- Reduce the maternal mortality rate
- Increase access to primary care
- Increase preventative healthcare screening rates
- Decrease chronic diseases (Diabetes and Hypertension)
- Increase social resource connections
The team focuses on three main groups: individuals living with diabetes and chronic diseases, high-risk moms and infants, and older adults. After speaking with Ascension clinicians, residents earn tokens for discounts off fresh produce. The care team, including nurses and family medicine residents, evaluate, educate and connect those they meet with needed resources by providing:
- Health screenings focused on diabetes prevention
- Management of high blood pressure and
- Referral to primary care
