Letter to the Editor: Bicuspid Aortic Valve–Family Screening and Indications for Intervention

Background: Diabetes disproportionately impacts the Hispanic community. Within the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital (ALGH) primary service area (PSA), ZIP code 60018 has twice the Hispanic population of other PSA ZIP codes. The 60018 initiative was developed to explore data on diabetes, partner with the 60018 Hispanic community, and improve the resident curriculum, thereby aligning our CHNA, population health, and GME goals. Methods: We reviewed the CHNA, ALGH hospital data, and community survey data and conducted a literature review. We conducted a family medicine residency tour of the community and recommended curriculum revisions after performing a curriculum and literature review. We established a partnership with St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Church, offering free diabetes screenings and diabetes education. Results: Through the partnership with St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Church, we obtained 23 completed surveys, conducted 3 focus groups with 20 participants, screened 23 patients, and held 4 education sessions with 12-15 attendees at each session. The screenings identified 8 individuals with an A1c of 5.7%-6.4% and 8 individuals with an A1c >6.5% (2 with an A1c >11%). The NI V work was incorporated into the new revision of ALGH’s CHNA. Grant money was secured to sustain the work, and family medicine residency curriculum changes were implemented. Conclusion: Our partnership with St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Church is a step toward preventing and reducing the impact of diabetes in the Hispanic community via culturally appropriate screening and diabetes prevention. However, cultural skepticism has a history, and trust takes time to build. ALGH has committed to long-term support of the work.