Horizon NJ Health premiered their brand new Care-A-Van at a free health care event in Guttenberg on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The van offers screenings and other services for the community.
The goal of the event was to educate residents on health and nutrition.
Horizon NJ Health is a health care company that serves both insured individuals with Medicaid and those under NJ FamilyCare programs for low income families.
“Our health representatives – we call them Team NJ – participate in more than 300 community health events in all 21 New Jersey counties throughout the year,” said Horizon NJ Health Public Relations Specialist John Passuth. “Working with community, faith-based organizations and schools, we use various resources to target each community’s health care and health education needs.”
Horizon’s nurse Zaida Soto checked blood pressure and blood sugar at no cost. For those who had health insurance questions, a Horizon Medicare representative was also present. The Care-A-Van was parked in front of a local pharmacy, Seifert’s Pharmacy, Horizon’s partner for the event.
Historical pharmacy
Seifert’s Pharmacy’s history, which is over 100 years old, sparked the interest of Horizon’s Community Health Nurse Zaida Soto. She contacted the Picca family who own Seifert’s Pharmacy and set up the event.
“It’s good because it encourages people to actually see their doctor, and not be afraid to see their doctor,” said Pharmacist William Picca.
“Our main focus is to create health awareness.” – Jose Roche
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Pharmacist Robert Picca said the partnership between Seifert’s Pharmacy and Horizon NJ Health made him feel like he was contributing.
Horizon NJ Health Care-A-Van
Health Representative Carlos Sanchez and Fleet Administrator/Community Health Representative Jose Roche interacted with the attendees. The Care-A-Van offers on-site health education and screenings for blood pressure and high blood sugar, and helps residents with health insurance questions.
Some of the literature Horizon distributed, in English and Spanish, provided information on how to determine if you have diabetes, how to choose low sodium foods for those with high blood pressure, and offered guidance for those who are uninsured and looking for healthcare.
Low income families at the event were able to verify if they were eligible for NJ Family Care.
“There’s so many people out there with high blood pressure and high blood sugar that don’t know it,” said William. “There’s nothing to fear, there’s no charge, and it helps us by helping the community, it saves lives too.”
“I think it’s a pleasure that I work for a company that allows us to go into the community and reach the people,” said Soto. “We’re here about wellness and preventative care and to answer any questions.”
Picca wants people to know that there are a lot of free programs available for residents who are in need of them much like Horizon’s NJ Health Care-A-Van event.
For additional information visit www.horizonnjhealth.com or call 1 (800) 682-9094 and ask to speak with any of the Horizon representatives mentioned above.
Vanessa Cruz can be reached at vcruz@hudsonreporter.com