CVS Health expands mental health screenings
CVS Health is enhancing Project Health, the company's free, community-based health screening program, by adding mental health screenings to its services and entering two new areas: Greensboro, N.C., and Petersburg, Va. Project Health also will add nearly 100 organizations this year to host its mobile units in additional under-resourced communities.
“Our events now serve more communities than ever, tapping into our CVS Pharmacy footprint and a vast network of local organizations to host our mobile units and help ensure transportation is not a barrier to receiving health services,” said Sheryl Burke, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer. “We’re also broadening our services to include mental health screenings as we continue to see a need for accessible mental health care across the country.”
CVS Health plans to host nearly 2,000 Project Health screening events across the U.S. in 2023. The company hosts these events at CVS Pharmacy locations and community organizations, offering free biometric screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose level and body mass index to detect early risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
The screenings will now also offer PHQ-2 assessments, screenings to help identify people who require additional evaluation for depression. Following these screenings, participants can meet with a nurse practitioner who can provide referrals for treatment and advice on follow-up care.
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For nearly two decades, Project Health has brought free health screenings and resources to people across the country, focusing on areas of significant need and populations that have been historically under-resourced. In 2022, 82% of people who received care at a Project Health event identified as a race other than white/Caucasian, while 68% reported a household income below $50,000. The program hosted nearly 1,700 events nationwide last year and provided $5.5 million in free medical services.
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Individuals can visit ProjectHealthPortal.com or download the Project Health app to learn more about Project Health resources, events and how they can prioritize their health by receiving a free screening.