The Cardiovascular Disease Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Carlsbad, has reached more than 10,000 people through health screenings, educational lectures, community events, programs and the Internet since it was established in 2002.
The foundation was created to help people benefit from the great strides that have been made in the treatment, detection and prevention of cardiac and vascular diseases. The grassroots organization provides free cardiovascular health services and programs to people of all ages who cannot access or afford them.
“We believe that by empowering people through education, we can help stamp out these deadly diseases,” said Malinda Engerer, executive director of the foundation. “Our mission is to improve quality of life by promoting cardiovascular health through prevention, research and education.”
The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Engerer to discuss the foundation in more detail and its upcoming 5K Walk for Life event.
CBJ: Why are the services the foundation provides needed?
Engerer: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death throughout the world and in our nation. Currently, one in 2.4 American adults die from cardiovascular disease.
CBJ: How does this foundation differ from other similar nonprofits?
Engerer: The funds that are raised here, stay here to save the lives of our neighbors. Our local presence and size enable us to be receptive to the needs and trends of the local community. We're able to be more hands-on, accessible and offer locals our in-office community resource center. Because we're located close to our neighbors, we have the ability to respond faster to their needs.
CBJ: What needs does the foundation have?
Engerer: All of the services and programs we provide are free, so we are always seeking grants, donations and volunteers to be able to continue our services. Additionally, we are looking for organizations to partner with. Resources are another need of the foundation. Everything from plastic medical models for the interactive portion of our youth talks to cholesterol and glucose monitoring devices are on our wish list.
CBJ: How can people get involved?
Engerer: By calling or e-mailing us to let us know that they would like to help. They also can participate in our 5th annual 5K Walk For Life & Free Community Health Fair, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at Magee Park, 258 Beech Ave., Carlsbad. It is our main fundraiser for the year. Our goal is to have 1,000 people join us and Carlsbad Mayor Bud Lewis for a walk along the beach to get fit, raise $50,000 and fight heart disease and stroke. The event will feature entertainment, complimentary health food, face painting and various health screenings. The cost to participate in the walk is $25 for adults; kids 12 and under walk for free. You can bring a friend for free if you register online. Take part to save a heart!
CBJ: How do you measure success?
Engerer: By the amount of people we reach, which is why the Walk For Life is so important. We reach more people each year, and I am inspired by the support from the community of Carlsbad. We know that more than 60 percent of heart disease cases can be prevented. Therefore, we consider every person who participates in our annual 5K Walk For Life a success, and everyone who attends one of our free lectures and health screenings as one more person we have successfully passed the message on to.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of the foundation?
Engerer: We hope to expand our current programs and offer new services. Our plans are to expand our current work with seniors and branch out through our Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids program to reach young people and their families. We want to position ourselves as a resource for people who need information on everything from medical equipment to home care and transportation to hospitals. The future is about addressing the root cause of cardiovascular disease by empowering parents, children, patients and friends to stamp out heart disease and stroke and establish healthy habits so we can lead healthy lives.
Cardiovascular Disease Foundation
3088 Pio Pico Drive, Suite 202, Carlsbad
(760) 730-1471 | www.cvdf.org
The foundation was created to help people benefit from the great strides that have been made in the treatment, detection and prevention of cardiac and vascular diseases. The grassroots organization provides free cardiovascular health services and programs to people of all ages who cannot access or afford them.
“We believe that by empowering people through education, we can help stamp out these deadly diseases,” said Malinda Engerer, executive director of the foundation. “Our mission is to improve quality of life by promoting cardiovascular health through prevention, research and education.”
The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Engerer to discuss the foundation in more detail and its upcoming 5K Walk for Life event.
CBJ: Why are the services the foundation provides needed?
Engerer: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death throughout the world and in our nation. Currently, one in 2.4 American adults die from cardiovascular disease.
CBJ: How does this foundation differ from other similar nonprofits?
Engerer: The funds that are raised here, stay here to save the lives of our neighbors. Our local presence and size enable us to be receptive to the needs and trends of the local community. We're able to be more hands-on, accessible and offer locals our in-office community resource center. Because we're located close to our neighbors, we have the ability to respond faster to their needs.
CBJ: What needs does the foundation have?
Engerer: All of the services and programs we provide are free, so we are always seeking grants, donations and volunteers to be able to continue our services. Additionally, we are looking for organizations to partner with. Resources are another need of the foundation. Everything from plastic medical models for the interactive portion of our youth talks to cholesterol and glucose monitoring devices are on our wish list.
CBJ: How can people get involved?
Engerer: By calling or e-mailing us to let us know that they would like to help. They also can participate in our 5th annual 5K Walk For Life & Free Community Health Fair, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at Magee Park, 258 Beech Ave., Carlsbad. It is our main fundraiser for the year. Our goal is to have 1,000 people join us and Carlsbad Mayor Bud Lewis for a walk along the beach to get fit, raise $50,000 and fight heart disease and stroke. The event will feature entertainment, complimentary health food, face painting and various health screenings. The cost to participate in the walk is $25 for adults; kids 12 and under walk for free. You can bring a friend for free if you register online. Take part to save a heart!
CBJ: How do you measure success?
Engerer: By the amount of people we reach, which is why the Walk For Life is so important. We reach more people each year, and I am inspired by the support from the community of Carlsbad. We know that more than 60 percent of heart disease cases can be prevented. Therefore, we consider every person who participates in our annual 5K Walk For Life a success, and everyone who attends one of our free lectures and health screenings as one more person we have successfully passed the message on to.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of the foundation?
Engerer: We hope to expand our current programs and offer new services. Our plans are to expand our current work with seniors and branch out through our Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids program to reach young people and their families. We want to position ourselves as a resource for people who need information on everything from medical equipment to home care and transportation to hospitals. The future is about addressing the root cause of cardiovascular disease by empowering parents, children, patients and friends to stamp out heart disease and stroke and establish healthy habits so we can lead healthy lives.
Cardiovascular Disease Foundation
3088 Pio Pico Drive, Suite 202, Carlsbad
(760) 730-1471 | www.cvdf.org