Heart to Heart gives ‘mobile lab’ first workout

OLATHE, Kan./April 3, 2008 — Heart to Heart International Inc., a leading global humanitarian organization, today announced that a newly established “mobile lab” will see its first action at a community health fair in the New Orleans area. The event, which takes place Friday and Saturday (April 4-5), is part of Heart to Heart continuing efforts to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina rebuild their lives and communities.

Heart to Heart’s Mobile Medical Unit recently was certified as a mobile lab by the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), which is sending a technician to assist in this first initiative. The event is a service activity being conducted by the Board of Directors for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and has been underwritten by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF).

“We are excited to launch the mobile lab as part of our ongoing hurricane-relief efforts in New Orleans,” said Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid, Heart to Heart’s chief programs officer. “Patients will be screened by a qualified physician and will receive rapid lab service, such as blood work, when appropriate.”

Patients requiring follow-up care will be transported to nearby St. Bernard Health Center, which is serving as the local partner in this community-health initiative.

Heart to Heart collaborates on health fairs with dozens of local clinics and community groups around the country each year.

Agencies interested in working with Heart to Heart on community-health events are encouraged to contact the organization’s Programs staff at 913-764-5200.