The Chicago Indo-US Lions Club, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, healthcare professionals, the U.S. Army, Sewa USA, community organizations and volunteers, has reached more than 1,000 Illinois families through a statewide series of Mega Health, Wellness and Back-to-School Outreach Events held throughout July and August.

The initiative has brought free healthcare screenings, wellness services, educational assistance and essential resources directly to communities across Illinois, with additional outreach events planned in the coming weeks.

To date, the program has 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 tests. Families also received school supplies, gift cards, food assistance and educational resources to help children prepare for the new school year.

The statewide effort has been led by Shina Trivedi, President of the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club and a mental health specialist, in collaboration with Family Medicine Physician Dr. Herak, Dr. Jay, other healthcare professionals, college student volunteers and numerous community organizations.

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

The Chicago Indo-US Lions Club expressed appreciation to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the U.S. Army, Sewa USA, healthcare providers, volunteers, sponsors, community organizations and residents whose support and participation helped make the outreach possible.

Beyond providing immediate assistance, organizers said the initiative reflects the importance of bringing health and social services directly to communities where families may face barriers to accessing care.

By combining medical screenings with mental health support, vision and hearing services, educational resources and back-to-school assistance, the program is addressing multiple needs under one community-focused initiative.

The Chicago Indo-US Lions Club and its partners plan to continue expanding the outreach, reaching additional families and strengthening access to healthcare and essential resources across Illinois.

The initiative underscores the impact of collaborative community service and demonstrates how civic organizations, healthcare professionals, businesses, military personnel and volunteers can work together to help build healthier, stronger and more connected Illinois communities.