Manna Ministries teamed up with Highland Community Hospital to provide free individual health screenings this past Saturday.

Community members were screened for blood pressure, glucose levels, body mass index, vision, spine curvature and bone density.

The partnership is called the Heart 2 Heart initiative and is another result of an in-depth study conducted on the county by an HCH contractor to define community needs. Heart disease ranked high on the list of factors contributing to premature deaths in the county.

HCH Administrator Mark Stockstill said Highland is excited to partner with Manna Ministries in the effort to have a healthier community.

“Manna joins Highland in a continuing to fulfill a vital role in providing healthcare in our community,” Stockstill said.

Manna Ministries Director Jaime Martin said the non-profit received a grant back in November from Astra –Zeneca Healthcare foundation for cardiovascular disease education.

She said the community screening was an introduction to the cardiovascular program. Participants were given the opportunity to join Manna’s continuing education program on cardiovascular disease, which will include dietary, health assessments and physical activity components.

“This program is open to everyone in the community, whether they are insured or not,” Martin said.

In the comprehensive education and wellness model, participants will be given tools to address high blood pressure,

hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and smoking, Martin said.

As part of the exercise component, Highland and Manna are teaming up to form Highlander’s Walk/Run Club.

“We have had this program in the works from the beginning of the year and are excited to offer our track to the community,” Stockstill said. “Exercise is a key component in battling cardiovascular disease and living a healthy lifestyle.”

The initial meeting for the Heart 2 Heart and Highland Walker/Run Club will be held on Monday, May 19, at 6 p.m. at Manna Ministries, located at 120 Street A in Picayune. For more information on the Heart 2 Heart Initiative, contact Martin at 601-799-2121.