Page 15 - The Hormel Institute 2024 Annual Report

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We are dedicated to translating research into real-world applications, bringing science and health resources directly to our community. By fostering collabora- tions, hosting educational events, and providing access to vital health information, we aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday life. Our commitment is to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to improve their health and well-being, ensuring that our research has a tangible, positive impact on the community we serve.
ADVISORY BOARD
Our Community Advisory Board provides recommendations related to community engagement and educational opportunities in Mower County and Southeastern Minnesota related to the biomedical research, training, and education happening at the Institute.
Thank you to our board members: Chair Mary Nelson, Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative; Chris Weis, Mower County Public Health; Sara Lee, Mayo Clinic; Dewey Schara, Austin Public Schools; Sara Salas-Ramirez, Parenting Resource Center; Jessica Vazquez, Mower County Extension; and Catherine Haslag, Riverland Community College.
Made Possible by the Proud Partnership of:
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WELLNESS ON WHEELS
New this year, The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) initiative, a collaboration between us and Mower County Public Health, offers free preventative health screenings to rural Mower County communities on a monthly rotating basis. Supported by grants from the Austin Area Foundation and Mower Freeborn Cooperative, WOW aims to make preventative health care more accessible.
For many people, it is hard to find the time or the money to go to the doctor when they are sick, let alone to make time for preventative screenings. We want to eliminate as many barriers as possible for people to get these important screenings.
–Emily Heath, RN, Clinical Research & Outreach Lead
COMMUNITY BOOTHS
You may have seen us this year at events throughout the community and beyond. Our booths included cancer prevention information, health screenings, educational activities, and more at events.
THRIVE SERIES
We partnered this year with the Masonic Cancer Center to host THRIVE Series work- shops in person at The Hormel Institute. THRIVE is a cancer survivorship program that offers a free, weekly virtual series each fall, providing education and resources on various topics from leading experts. Participants gathered to view these virtual sessions, followed by hands-on activities that complemented the topics discussed. Attendees are able to connect with others in a supportive and interactive environment.