What would eventually become a first-of-its-kind event for McLaren Oakland began when a few Waterford Fire Department firefighters brought an idea to their captain.
Naturally placing an importance on their health in their physically and emotionally demanding profession, the group of first responders had the idea of partnering with a local Oakland County hospital and bringing a health screening to them and their colleagues.
Waterford Fire Marshall Capt. Christopher Webster was motivated by his team’s enthusiasm that he began reaching out to his contacts at nearby health care organizations, ultimately reaching Chris Haney, the EMS coordinator at McLaren Oakland.
Inspired by the idea, he shared it with hospital leadership, who immediately took steps to make this happen.
“We are incredibly grateful to the fire department for this partnership and to be in the position to serve those who have so selflessly served us,” said Lorenzo Suter, McLaren Oakland President and CEO. “Considering the potential lifesaving importance of cancer screenings and the quality-of-life impact chronic conditions can have on an individual, we are grateful for this opportunity to contribute to those who give so much to all of is.”
Organized for late-January at the Waterford Fire Department — taking the health screening to the first responders — the event was open to first responders throughout all of Oakland County.
Though incredibly excited, this was an event that neither organization had previously organized, so no one was firmly confident in the kind of turn out they would get outside of the few who originally brought the idea to their captain.
To each side, attendees numbering in the teens would have been deemed an incredible success for a new event.
As the event progressed and clinicians from several McLaren Oakland provided screenings for lung, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other common conditions, the stream of attendees seemingly never eased.
Throughout the day, McLaren clinicians would perform 27 colorectal cancer screenings, 24 skin cancer screenings, 22 prostate PSA screenings, 29 EKG heart health screenings, 27 CT cardiac calcium score tests, and refer the five attendees who met the criteria for a lung cancer screening.
By the time the program was over, more than 40 local first responders had the benefit of having knowledgeable and experienced health care professionals evaluate their overall health in the convenience of their work environment.
“Our department and the first responders throughout Oakland County are thankful to the team at McLaren Oakland for sharing their day and profession with us,” said Capt. Christopher Webster, Waterford Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal. “The men and women of the first responder profession are truly committed to the health and safety of our community, and we appreciate the hospital for the kindness they have shown us and their support of our well-being.”