Latest news with #CentricHealth
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Pilot health checks for lung cancer being brought to high-risk people in Louth, Meath and Cavan
Participants for the Beaumont RCSI Irish Cancer Society lung health check are being chosen as part of a study targeting those aged between 55-74 years, who currently or previously smoked, as they are at higher risk than others of getting lung cancer. The study will involve participants from selected Centric Health GP practices in the North Dublin and northeast region. Invited participants will then attend a mobile lunch check unit in O'Raghalliagh's GAA Club in Drogheda. The participating GP practices in Drogheda include: Bryanstown Medical Centre; Fairgate Medical Practice; Hilltop Drogheda; and Northgate Surgery. In Dundalk, The Square Medical is included. Meanwhile, in Meath the Trim Medical, Headfort Family Practice is included and in Cavan, The Cottage Baileborough is included. Participants from Ashbourne Clinic, Meath will attend a mobile health unit in Fingallians GAA Club Swords. Participation invites will be sent through a letter of invitation to take part in the study, along with a leaflet with more details of the process. A team member will then be in touch to specify a date and time for a screening. Invites can also be turned down, with details provided on how to opt out. CEO of the Irish Cancer Society Averil Power said: 'This historic investment by the Irish Cancer Society marks a turning point for lung cancer in Ireland. Lung cancer kills more Irish people every year than any other cancer, mainly because it is diagnosed late when it is difficult to treat. 'We are confident this pilot programme will save lives by detecting cancer early. We hope that in time it will lead to a free national lung check programme for all Irish people at high risk of getting lung cancer.' Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ireland, with six in every 10 lung cancer diagnoses detected at a late stage when it is harder to treat. The Lung Health Check is part of a €4.9m partnership between Irish Cancer Society and Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, funded by the Irish Cancer Society, to drive improvements in lung cancer early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Advancing Awareness and Equity: Leaders Discuss Black History and Community Initiatives
Presented by: Centric Health During Studio 17's Black History Month special, local leaders emphasized the importance of awareness, diversity and supporting African American initiatives within the community. Joining the conversation were Michael Bowers, vice president of public and government affairs at Centric Health, and Les Ybarra, president of California Medicaid at Anthem Blue Cross. For Bowers, a Bakersfield native, these discussions are key to breaking stereotypes and fostering inclusion. 'Black history is American history,' Bowers said. 'When we say, 'We the people,' that means all people. Conversations like this help us move forward by challenging misconceptions and increasing understanding.' Ybarra echoed the importance of education and action in achieving meaningful change. 'At Anthem Blue Cross, our purpose is to improve the health of humanity,' he said. 'That takes leadership, partnerships and a commitment to serving the communities that need it most.' Health disparities remain a critical issue for African Americans, particularly in underserved areas. Bowers pointed out that parts of Bakersfield, including the neighborhood where he grew up, still lack basic healthcare services such as pharmacies, urgent care centers and behavioral health resources. 'Accessibility is a major challenge,' Bowers said. 'We're still seeing significant gaps in care, especially in communities of color.' Ybarra stressed the importance of addressing these disparities by focusing on whole-person care, particularly in maternal and child health, behavioral health and chronic disease management. 'We have a responsibility to ensure care is available at the right time and place,' he said. 'That means providing resources, reducing disparities and meeting people where they are.' As Black History Month concludes, both leaders underscored the need for ongoing conversations and action. 'We need to keep coming back, year after year, to talk about these issues,' Bowers said. 'That's how we drive progress and create lasting change.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
