Lawndale Health Promotion Project

The goal of the Lawndale Health Promotion Project (LHPP) was to eliminate health disparities in type 2 diabetes and heart disease among Hispanics and African Americans living in Chicago, Illinois.

In Lawndale, 85% of residents are at risk for heart disease and 71% are at risk for diabetes. The LHPP began to offer health education classes to teach residents about risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol and blood pressure, obesity, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, and smoking. In addition, the LHPP offers health screenings, information and referral services, nutrition and cooking classes, walking groups, and smoking cessation programs.

The goal of the Lawndale Health Promotion Project was to eliminate health disparities in type 2 diabetes and heart disease among Hispanics and African Americans.

Over 7,000 assessments have been conducted to test for diabetes and heart disease risk and 900 residents were referred to local health agencies for medical care.

In addition, 350 residents who have diabetes or heart disease received case management services and in turn sharply increased their use of health screening. For example, the percentage of this group who received annual blood sugar tests increased from 21% to 96%, annual eye exams increased from 22% to 72%, annual foot exams increased from 42% to 72%, and annual cholesterol tests increased from 47% to 77%.