Obesity and other nutrition-related conditions present a huge challenge to the healthcare industry, but Irvine, Calif.-based St. Joseph Hoag Health is tackling this public health crisis at one of its sources — the grocery story.
St. Joseph Hoag Health is partnering with Ralphs and Food 4 Less — two chains owned by Cincinnati-based food retailer Kroger — to host a unique population health campaign aimed at helping people make healthier food decisions.
The health system will host six "Shop with Your Doc" events in Southern California throughout mid-October and November during which St. Joseph Hoag Health physicians and nutritionists will visit Ralphs stores to help customers purchase items on their grocery list and answer specific dietary questions.
According to Richard Afable, MD, president and CEO of St. Joseph Hoag Health, it’s not enough to provide great care when people get sick — hospitals must do more to help people stay healthy. One meaningful way to do that is to help the community be more nutritious conscious when it comes to the foods they buy for themselves and their families.
"This program is exactly what our population health management strategy is all about — finding unique ways to make healthcare accessible, affordable and effective," Dr. Afable told Becker's. "We’re really excited about this program and I believe it has the potential to make a difference in Orange County and beyond."
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