Norwegian American Hospital Foundation is set to host its annual Power of Community Benefit, which will take place on June 22, 2017 at the Union League Club of Chicago. The event raises money to address chronic health disparities in Humboldt Park, West Town, and surrounding neighborhoods and will support the Norwegian American Hospital Comprehensive Diabetes Center. Thomas Laneis among 13 percent of the population in Illinois who suffer from diabetes. Lane visited Norwegian American Hospital after what he had thought was a blister on his foot, burst and became infected. Under the care of Dr. Angeles Valdes, who has worked at Norwegian’s Wound Clinic for over 23 years, Lane was informed that his “blister” was in fact a diabetes foot ulcer and he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone that is often associated with diabetes.

The Humboldt Park community has a high incidence rate of diabetes, among the highest in the nation, and major disparities in outcomes around other chronic diseases as well, including breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, mental health, and maternal and infant health. According to Norwegian American Hospital, 12 percent of adult residents in Humboldt Park have diabetes, compared to a national benchmark of eight percent. A contributing factor is the high rate of obesity, in which 36 percent of the residents are obese, compared to the national benchmark of 28 percent. “This year’s Power of Community event represents Norwegian American Hospital’s commitment to the power of partnerships. We are proud to be able to recognize our community partnership. Like Norwegian, these organizations are devoted to addressing and improving the health disparities in the communities they serve,” said José R. Sánchez, president and CEO, Norwegian American Hospital. “What better way to acknowledge the relationships than through the Power of Community Award. These valued professionals and friends are the hospital’s partners in transforming the lives of patients and delivering on the promise of a healthier future.”

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.nahospfoundation.org/poc/. If you would like to donate, visit https://www.nahospfoundation.org/donate/.