Health + Wellness
Community Yoga - photo Bob Perkoski
Cleveland is emerging as a bona fide Medical Capital, thanks in no small part to world-renowned hospitals, stellar colleges with medical-education programming, and the nation's top medical device manufacturers. But there is more to being a Medical Capital than ably treating the ill. Being a national healthcare leader also means creating an environment that provides access to health, prevention, and wellness education and programming for all citizens. Northeast Ohio is transforming into a healthier region, filled with active bodies, healthful food choices, and supportive organizations for those who seek them.
The Alzheimer's Association's Cleveland Chapter's 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Oct. 18 attracted 449,000 participants and 408 teams, and raised $740,701 towards its $825,000 goal. Two local teams ranked in the nationwide Top 50 Teams list. Photographer Reuben Kutash kept up with the group, and documented their steps.
The Alzheimer's Association's Cleveland Chapter will host its 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this weekend, combining fundraising efforts with a day of family fun. Organizers say the event comes at an exciting time in Alzheimer's research, with new treatments showing promise.
The Association of Black Cardiologists will host a Pop-Up in the Park with free heart health screenings during a weekend of music and community celebration The event, supported by the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, educates the community on heart health. Along with health screenings, attendees can enjoy musical performances by notable R&B artists.
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland's Y-Haven underwent a two-year, $7 million renovation of its residential treatment and transitional housing facility. The improvements provide a more dignified and comfortable environment for individuals recovering from addiction and overcoming homelessness.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northeast Ohio this week donated 20,000 pounds of food to the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland, significantly boosting its food pantry supplies at a time when households are financially tight. The donation is part of the Salvation Army's "Need Knows No Season" campaign to raise awareness about year-round hunger.
The 2025 Lifebanc Gift of Life Walk & Run brought together walkers and runners to celebrate lives saved through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The event raised awareness and funds for Lifebanc's mission while honoring donors, recipients, and families affected by organ donation.
Kristy Christie and her Team Kini Bini have raised nearly $150,000 for Lifebanc's Gift of Life Walk & Run since 2018, honoring the memory of her 11-year-old daughter Keira, who became an organ donor after her sudden death. The annual event brings together donor families and transplant recipients, celebrating the power of organ donation and the lasting impact of those who give the gift of life.
The Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled newly renovated outdoor basketball courts at Trent Park in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood last week, marking the organization's 18th recreation court revitalization project and largest investment to date. The community-driven initiative, supported by local leaders and organizations, provides safe spaces for youth and families while fostering unity and creativity in the neighborhood.
A long-unused dental chair at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center has finally been put to use, thanks to a partnership with MedWish Medworks. The collaboration brings critical and routine dental care to the detained youth.
The Community West Foundation awarded $566,100 in fourth quarter grants to support nonprofit organizations in Cleveland and Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. The grants aim to advance the health and well-being of the community through the organizations that provide essential services to those in need.
City Fresh, a nonprofit CSA working to increase food access in Northeast Ohio, is offering holiday shares of locally grown produce for pickup in Cleveland Heights, Oberlin, and Lakewood. Registration ends Saturday!
Katie Coleman, a young cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story of battling a rare kidney cancer at age 29 in her book, "Too Young for Cancer," which chronicles her journey and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Coleman shared her story an audience of young adults with cancer at The Gathering Place last month.
The Steak Club Foundation started as a casual dinner group to reconnect friends and network and evolved into to a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The group provides meals, runs food pantries, and supports local communities. The foundation's guiding principle, "No Service, No Steak" reflects the commitment to giving back.
Cleveland State University, AquaMissions, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District are diving into a life-saving partnership to teach 2,500 Cleveland fourth graders critical water safety and swim skills. The program aims to prevent drowning deaths among the region's youth.
George Zehnder, 74, a retired pastor with St. Mark Lutheran Church, recently won the gold medal in the triathlon during the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland. He credits his classes at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, determination, and his faith for his victory.
The Saint Luke's Foundation, The City Club of Cleveland, Bike Your Neighborhood Cleveland, and the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival will present a free film screening of “Bike Vessel” this Friday, with a community bike ride with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb on Saturday, to raise awareness, spark inspiration, conversation, and promote health equity through cycling.
Earlier this month, the Saint Luke’s Foundation’s 10-member Resident Advancement Committee (RAC) awarded $40,257 in grants to seven organizations operating in the St. Luke’s footprint. The investments address social determinants of health—including educational attainment, financial stability, healthy eating and active living, safe and affordable housing, social connections—to help strengthen the four neighborhoods.
The Saint Luke's Foundation announced this week that it has granted more the $1.4 million in grants to 11 area organizations that are working toward strengthening Cleveland neighborhoods.
Almost 40 teams participated in the Health Action Council's Healthy Kids Spring Step It Up Challenge in March and April, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District's Wilbur Wright PreK-8 School in the West Boulevard neighborhood took fifth place—earning $500 for school playground equipment.
Morris Ervin overcame a troubled past to become a passionate educator and advocate for social justice. His memoir, “Reflections of a Troubled Black Man,” recounts his transformation and his ongoing work to foster empathy and inclusivity in challenging environments. Ervin will host a book signing infused with music and meditation at The Yoga Lab, reflecting his journey and mission.