Chicago, IL – June 1, 2012. A Filipino women heart healthy study sponsored by the University of North Florida is seeking Chicago area Filipino women to participate and obtain free cardiovascular screening. The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) is acting as a local community partner to aid in seeking qualified participants.

This study will provide free cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure screening to participants. The study is unique in that it also is the first genetic testing of cardiovascular traits unique to the Filipino population.  By becoming a participant, one will contribute vital information that researchers will study and utilize to determine improved diagnoses and treatments specific to Filipino health.

To qualify for participation, you must be a Filipino female aged 40 to 65 without acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, or lupus. Completion of the study will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes for questionnaire and blood draw. A free breakfast will be provided to study participants as it will be necessary to fast (no food consumption) 8 hours prior to study.

Study participation opportunities will be at two Chicago locations: Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rush University Medical Center, Heart Center for Women located at 1725 W.
Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612; and Sunday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jose P. Rizal Heritage Center located at 1332 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613.

Your participation is needed to take part in a 400-person study that will show geneticists a way forward and potentially save Filipino women in the future. For more information please contact Dr. Irma Ancheta, School of Nursing and lead study coordinator from the University of North Florida at (904) 383-2392.

The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) is a collaborative of community, health professional, and academic leaders united to address Filipino health issues in the Chicago area. The mission of FACHIC is to increase awareness of Filipino health disparities and to implement health interventions and educational programming to improve the health status of the Filipino community. FACHIC is a 501(c)(3) Illinois nonprofit organization.  All programs and services are free and available to all.  For more information, visit http://www.fachic.org.