Statewide health and back-to-school outreach provides free screenings, medical consultations and essential school resources

The Chicago Indo-US Lions Club, in partnership with healthcare providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the U.S. Army, Sewa USA, community organizations and volunteers, has reached more than 1,000 Illinois families through a statewide series of free health, wellness and back-to-school outreach events held throughout July and August.

The initiative has brought medical and wellness services directly into local communities while helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. Additional outreach events are planned as the program continues.

To date, the events have provided approximately 486 diabetes screenings and consultations, 367 medical checkups and 128 mental health consultations, along with hundreds of vision and retinal screenings and free hearing screenings.

In addition to healthcare services, participating families received school supplies, gift cards, food assistance and educational resources designed to help ease some of the financial and practical challenges associated with the new school year.

The initiative was led by Shina Trivedi, president of the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club and a mental health specialist, with participation from Dr. Herak, a family medicine physician, Dr. Jay, other healthcare professionals, college student volunteers and community organizations.

“Our mission is to serve with compassion and collaboration,” Trivedi said. “When healthcare providers, volunteers and community partners come together, we can remove barriers to care, connect families with essential resources, and help communities thrive.”

The Chicago Indo-US Lions Club acknowledged the contributions of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the U.S. Army, Sewa USA, healthcare professionals, volunteers, sponsors, community organizations and residents who supported the outreach effort.

The statewide initiative reflects a growing emphasis on bringing preventive healthcare and social-support services directly to underserved and diverse communities. By combining health screenings with educational assistance and basic necessities, organizers say the program seeks to address multiple needs faced by families at the community level.

As the outreach continues, the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club and its partners plan to expand their efforts to reach additional Illinois families, promote preventive healthcare and provide resources aimed at building healthier and more resilient communities.