It is well known that the vast majority of chronic diseases are preventable through screenings, immunizations and lifestyle management. Yet the rates of chronic diseases continue to rise. Most healthcare dollars are spent on disease treatment and very little on the prevention of these conditions. ALERT Health (founded in 1997 as Hep-C ALERT) is providing a unique and innovative answer to this local and national health crisis. Located at 660 NE 125th Street in Downtown North Miami since December of 2001, this exceptional 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization’s mission is to improve the health and quality of life for people at risk of chronic illness, by providing accessible, integrated, preventive health care. The organization currently serves more than 5,000 of North Miami’s young adults each year, primarily funded through Community Foundations and Department of Health grants. Preventive care shouldn’t be difficult to access for people at any age. ALERT makes sure our community gets these much needed services for free (or at a very low cost), with short wait times, in multiple languages, during evening and weekend hours. Once in our office, clients receive an integrated roster of preventive services. These services include counseling and testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. We also provide vaccinations to prevent liver (hepatitis A and B) and cervical (HPV) cancer and treatment for bacterial STDs. Screening and vaccinating is just one part of the ALERT equation: Helping our clients change the behaviors that put them at risk for chronic illness is how we make a difference in their personal health and the long-term health status of our community. ALERT’s specially trained counselors help clients develop the needed skills to lead healthier lives. Our full-time Case Manager makes sure those who have signs of disease are referred to the right medical provider.