‘A Su Salud’ Wins National ‘Neighborhood Partnership Award’.

Competing against 2,800 retailers across the United States, Albertsons, Inc. was honored the top award by the Food Marketing Institute (the largest trade association of Grocery and Drug retailers in the country) for its sponsorship of the “A Su Salud” (To Your Health) with Sav-on Drugs health care program.

The “Neighborhood Partnership Award” recognizes outstanding community partnerships initiated by supermarkets and drug stores that profoundly affect the communities they serve. The “A Su Salud” program was chosen because of its innovative approach to address the health care needs of the Hispanic population.

“A Su Salud” success is largely due to its effective teaming with a diverse group of partners, first in Southern California and now across the nation. Its coalition of public and private organizations includes the Department of Health Services of the LA County, L.A. County Office of Women’s Health, L.A. Care, Blue Cross of California, US Congressmen and Senators, the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, the Kansas City Chronic Disease Coalition, the NAACP, the Maternal and Child Health Coalition, the Institute for Human Development, UCLA and many valuable and generous local health care providers.

Through this diverse alliance of organizations the “A Su Salud” program has serviced over 100,000 people giving over $15 million in free medical care. This has been possible through a series of year round special health events at participating Sav-on and Osco Drug Stores. The events are sponsored by the local pharmacies because the “farmacia” is still seen by a majority of Spanish-speaking individuals as the most comfortable place to receive their health information; it serves as an entry point into the health care system.

At the foundation of the health events, a full health risk assessment is provided. Comprehensive medical screenings are given to prevent and detect the leading causes of cardiovascular and other debilitating chronic diseases. Tests include exams for cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, osteoporosis, visual acuity, dental abnormalities, and access to free or low cost cancer detection facilities. Upon completion of the free medical exams, patrons receive a free consultation with an on-site doctor who reviews results, provides counseling, and refers patients, if necessary, to a local medical facility. If patients are uninsured the visit to the local clinic will cost them as little as $ 15.00.

Alberto Quilez, founder of “A Su Salud” says “we have been successful because as Latinos ourselves, we understand the needs of underserved communities. We do not want more programs that simply compound the confusion. We need practical answers for our hard working community, easy access, and less band-aid solutions. That’s what our program provides.”

The program’s focus on real solutions has allowed it to grow from a focus on Hispanic communities in Southern California, to a National multiethnic audience. Rapid expansion into cities all over the nation is taking place. The program, managed by Hispanic owned Marketing Company, Quilez & Associates, Inc., is now the largest outreach program of its kind in the United States. For more information or to become a part of these events call Quilez & Associates, Inc. at 1-888-604-0333.