Health + Wellness
Community Yoga - photo Bob Perkoski
Cleveland is emerging as a bona fide Medical Capital, thanks in no small part to world-renowned hospitals, stellar colleges with medical-education programming, and the nation's top medical device manufacturers. But there is more to being a Medical Capital than ably treating the ill. Being a national healthcare leader also means creating an environment that provides access to health, prevention, and wellness education and programming for all citizens. Northeast Ohio is transforming into a healthier region, filled with active bodies, healthful food choices, and supportive organizations for those who seek them.
The Community West Foundation awarded $566,100 in fourth quarter grants to support nonprofit organizations in Cleveland and Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. The grants aim to advance the health and well-being of the community through the organizations that provide essential services to those in need.
City Fresh, a nonprofit CSA working to increase food access in Northeast Ohio, is offering holiday shares of locally grown produce for pickup in Cleveland Heights, Oberlin, and Lakewood. Registration ends Saturday!
Katie Coleman, a young cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story of battling a rare kidney cancer at age 29 in her book, "Too Young for Cancer," which chronicles her journey and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Coleman shared her story an audience of young adults with cancer at The Gathering Place last month.
The Steak Club Foundation started as a casual dinner group to reconnect friends and network and evolved into to a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The group provides meals, runs food pantries, and supports local communities. The foundation's guiding principle, "No Service, No Steak" reflects the commitment to giving back.
Cleveland State University, AquaMissions, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District are diving into a life-saving partnership to teach 2,500 Cleveland fourth graders critical water safety and swim skills. The program aims to prevent drowning deaths among the region's youth.
George Zehnder, 74, a retired pastor with St. Mark Lutheran Church, recently won the gold medal in the triathlon during the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland. He credits his classes at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, determination, and his faith for his victory.
The Saint Luke's Foundation, The City Club of Cleveland, Bike Your Neighborhood Cleveland, and the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival will present a free film screening of “Bike Vessel” this Friday, with a community bike ride with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb on Saturday, to raise awareness, spark inspiration, conversation, and promote health equity through cycling.
Earlier this month, the Saint Luke’s Foundation’s 10-member Resident Advancement Committee (RAC) awarded $40,257 in grants to seven organizations operating in the St. Luke’s footprint. The investments address social determinants of health—including educational attainment, financial stability, healthy eating and active living, safe and affordable housing, social connections—to help strengthen the four neighborhoods.
The Saint Luke's Foundation announced this week that it has granted more the $1.4 million in grants to 11 area organizations that are working toward strengthening Cleveland neighborhoods.
Almost 40 teams participated in the Health Action Council's Healthy Kids Spring Step It Up Challenge in March and April, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District's Wilbur Wright PreK-8 School in the West Boulevard neighborhood took fifth place—earning $500 for school playground equipment.
Morris Ervin overcame a troubled past to become a passionate educator and advocate for social justice. His memoir, “Reflections of a Troubled Black Man,” recounts his transformation and his ongoing work to foster empathy and inclusivity in challenging environments. Ervin will host a book signing infused with music and meditation at The Yoga Lab, reflecting his journey and mission.
The City of South Euclid has more than 60 acres of parks in its four square miles, each with a wealth of recreation options. South Euclid Parks and Recreation director Daniel Subwick wants to add healthy eating to the menu at Bexley Park—the city's largest and most popular park.
Celebrating its 25th year, the Y-Haven Theatre Project—a collaboration between YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre—will present "Troubled Waters," a play based on the lives of Y-Haven Treatment and Recovery Center residents.
In 2009, Ohio legislators designated December 21 as Ohio Homeless Memorial Day. For 37 years, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless has held a candlelight vigil to remember and honor those who died while experiencing homelessness in the last year.
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With a mission of advancing the health and well-being of the Northeast Ohio community, the Community West Foundation recently approved $765,500 in fourth-quarter grants to 18 local nonprofit agencies.
David Knott, founder of the Veterans and First Responders Foundation, is on a mission to give military and police dogs everything they need when they retire from duty—from staying with their handlers to healthcare—with his nonprofit Howling Heroes. The first five dogs were just honored last month.
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Dr. Alexa Fiffick recently opened Concierge Medicine of Westlake, part of Ms. Medicine, a network of female-owned medical providers who aim to transform women's healthcare using the concierge model. Fiffick's aim is to bring change to women's healthcare, with a particular focus on menopause.
Cleveland's culinary community gathered last week at Rood Food and Pie to raise money for chef John and Allysun Selick's daughter Hannah Doty's continuing care as she recovers from AMSAN, rare form of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Denisha Parker opened Yoga Nisha in June—fulfilling her mission to create a welcoming space where a diverse group of people can gather and promote mindfulness, physical wellness, and self-exploration.
The Village of Healing Center opened its doors in Euclid last year to combat the health inequities Black women experience and the high infant mortality rates in Cuyahoga County. A $1 million St. Luke's Foundation grant will help the organization expand its services and coverage area.