Our Vision
A future where every individual, irrespective of background or economic status, has access to proactive, community-driven healthcare that prevents vascular disease and promotes long-term wellness.
The CHAMPIONS Model
Community-Based Cardiovascular Risk Screening
Screening individuals for PAD, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, with a focus on populations that do not access specialty care.
Health Education
Educating populations and raising broad-based awareness regarding cardiovascular risk factors, the importance of self-care, and available health services.
Medical Student Training
Training medical students in public outreach and care for underrepresented communities, and providing internships for medical students who conduct research.
Coordination of Access-to-Care
Connecting individuals with insurance and healthcare services, while integrating preventive care and risk management efforts within community-based care.
Research
Investigating challenges and motivators to prevention-oriented health behavior, increasing health engagement, and enhancing the effectiveness of education.
Our History & Team
We are a consortium of physicians, researchers, advocates, patients, business leaders, and caregivers who are committed to preventing life- and limb-threatening cardiovascular disease. An initiative of the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures, CHAMPIONS works in partnership with local community non-profits and leading medical institutions to bring prevention directly into communities. We prioritize high-quality health screening and equitable education alongside the advancement of research and the training of future vascular health providers. Together, the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures and our partner sites bring national program leadership and local expertise together to expand access to preventive vascular care.
History
CHAMPIONS was founded and successfully piloted in the San Joaquin Valley by UCSF Fresno vascular surgeon, Dr. Leigh Ann O’Banion in 2021. In 2023 the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures CEO Isabel Bjork and Dr. O’Banion met, and realized they shared a vision of providing life-changing prevention to all people. CHAMPIONS has since attended multiple community events, and has served over 1000 individuals.
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