Oak Forest Health Center gives garden crops to patients

Photo courtesy of Percy Harris

…About five years ago, after studies revealed a high concentration of diabetes and hypertension in the south suburbs of Cook County, Mason proposed a simple idea: Plant a garden and give away the organic crops to the very people who come to the Oak Forest Health Center for treatment.

The south suburbs, he said, are home to some of the poorest cities in the nation. Many of their residents seek treatment through the county at the Oak Forest facility.

“Access to fresh fruits and vegetables isn’t always there,” Mason said. “So, we thought, what a good opportunity it would be if when people come here for medical care, we could also give them healthcare…” Please click here for Donna Vickroy’s full story “Food for Health.”