The Joliet Public Library is partnering with VNA Health Care to provide free health screenings at the Ottawa Street Branch at 150 N. Ottawa Street in downtown Joliet. These screenings include blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes screenings.
VNA will be at the Library on April 26 from 9 a.m. until noon. The mobile unit is staffed by VNA nurses who can answer questions about health screening results and help community members navigate through health insurance plans and applications.
Claudia Lopez, Community Outreach Lead at VNA Health Care, says there is a need for these services in Joliet, and there are no requirements to stop in for a screening. “These screenings are for everyone,” Lopez said. “We have had many walk-ins just wondering what our van is and they leave with a better understanding of their health.”
The Joliet Public Library also provides programming that targets different health and wellness related topics. Upcoming programs include Zumba Toning and Mental Health Awareness: The Cogs of Well-Being. Past programs include Yoga, How to Stay Positive in a Negative World and CPR classes for kids and teens.
Denise Zielinski, Community Engagement Officer at the Joliet Public Library, says the library is thrilled to help bring these services to downtown Joliet. “Our partnership with VNA Health Care provides vital health information to the downtown community,” said Zielinski. “We are grateful that the hardworking staff from VNA spends their time here with us.”
VNA Health Care is a not-for-profit healthcare provider, serving over 65,000 patients per year with locations in Joliet and the surrounding area. For more information, visit vnahealth.com or contact Denise Zielinski with the Joliet Public Library at dzielinski@jolietlibrary.org.
The Joliet Public Library is a resource for the Joliet community to read, explore, ask and discover. For more information, visit http://jolietlibrary.org/ or call 815-740-2660.