Hillcrest Hospital Nurse Takes Healthy Message to the Community

If you attend many community events, you've probably seen Mary Beth Mack. Whether teaching 10th-graders, conducting health screenings for city workers or participating in health events at John Carroll University or Lakeland Community College, she's there promoting healthy lifestyles on behalf of Hillcrest Hospital.

"I kind of hear what people want and develop programs based on that," she said.

On top of the health events, activities and screenings, she's also "on all the boards" of community organizations. The 34-year employee of Hillcrest Hospital said she still thinks of herself as a nurse and keeps up her certification, but clearly enjoys the switch from working inside the hospital to being out in the community.

"I think of a nurse being in a hospital doing patient care," she said. "I've done community outreach for 10-plus years now. They thought it would be good to have nurses out building relationships. You provide health information and screenings, but you're also building relationships. When people come and have health questions, I have the knowledge to help them out."

She said hospital personnel frequently volunteer in the community, including helping to build a playground in South Euclid. Mack attends many community events, such as Highland Heights Home Days, where she conducted blood pressure screenings.

"Any opportunity you have to reach people and try to do screenings is a good idea," Mack said. "I see people whose blood pressure is off the charts. There are many people who don't utilize the resources that are available. People think, 'I don't need a doctor until I'm sick.'"

One program she's particularly proud of is the Healthy Solon Project started three years ago with Medical Mutual and the city of Solon as partners. The intent is to provide a program of education and health screenings to encourage people to lead healthier lives.

"There are restaurants in Solon that display the 'Healthy Solon' sticker," Mack said. "I think it has changed people's lives and is getting them thinking about being healthy."

Hillcrest Hospital is also participating on a wellness program with St. Francis of Assisi.

"They're our next-door neighbor. You want to give back to the people who put up with all of this," she said, referring to the hospital's recent expansion project.

Mack is happy to be in her current position.

"It's a great job. I love it," she said. "I'm out meeting with people. I love talking about the hospital."

She said it's amazing how Hillcrest Hospital has changed from when she started 34 years ago.

"It was just a little hospital when I started here," she said. "Now they do open heart surgery, cardiac intervention. To know that's in a community hospital, that's pretty amazing."