Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod Offers Free Health Checks at Outer Cape Locations in Response to Community Needs
Collaborative Barnstable County Government program to provide residents with no-cost blood pressure and glucose checks, in addition to nutrition and local food access education.
April 5, 2023 (Barnstable, MA) – Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod (BFBLCC) program, in partnership with Barnstable County Health Nurses, is offering free weekly blood pressure and glucose checks at outer Cape community locations from April to June. The no–cost health screenings will include nutrition education by county nutritionists to promote healthier lifestyles and access to fresh, local foods.
In response to a recent Community Health Assessment that revealed residents in outer Cape towns required expanded access to nutrition care and basic health screenings, BFBLCC obtained grant money through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to fund the health screenings. This was done as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering healthy communities and expanding access to local food.
“BFBLCC and Cooperative Extension are proud to offer this collaborative program with the Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division,” says Tara Racine, Coordinator of BFBLCC. “Considering the current shortage of primary care providers on Cape Cod, it can be difficult for residents to schedule routine screenings within a reasonable timeframe. Through this program, we are striving to support Barnstable County residents in managing gaps in preventive healthcare. Our no-cost health screening and nutrition programs are intended to provide beneficial health and wellness resources outside of a primary care setting. Access to blood pressure and glucose screenings, as well as education regarding the importance of enjoying healthy local food can be a huge step to preventing illness before it starts.”
The health and nutrition screenings will be offered at locations in Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown every week from April to June. The no-cost screenings are available to everyone, do not require sign-up or registration, and repeat visits are encouraged so that visitors can monitor blood pressure and glucose levels over time. For schedule and locations please visit www.capecod.gov/BuyLocal4Health.
ABOUT CAPE COD COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension is the education department for Barnstable County. Educational programs focus on agriculture, marine resources, horticulture, aquaculture, natural resources, water quality, recycling, household hazardous waste, nutrition, food safety, youth development, and the county’s environmental education issues. Extension programs are conducted in Barnstable County in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts and The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution–Sea Grant program. Learn more at www.capecod.gov/extension.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County.
