FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Weishaupt Allen | Public Relations and Communications Coordinator, OSF HealthCare | 618-600-3638
(June 16, 2026 | Alton, IL) – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is proud to partner with BackStoppers in the fight against heart disease among our public safety officers. Through this partnership, BackStoppers is providing free noninvasive CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring tests to active duty first responders living or working within the 28 counties it serves throughout the metro area. The CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring test is an advanced screening that helps physicians detect early signs of heart disease and provides a clearer picture of overall heart health before symptoms appear.
“At the heart of our Mission of serving with the greatest care and love is a deep commitment to promoting the health and well-being of the people we serve,” says Lisa Schepers, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, president, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “Together, we are committed to protecting those who protect our communities by providing access to preventive heart screenings that could save lives.”
Cardiac events remain one of the leading causes of death among first responders, making early detection and prevention critically important. First responders with one or more risk factors are encouraged to undergo this screening every three to five years if their initial score is zero or very low.
Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, unhealthy cholesterol levels, a family history of heart disease, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke.
“BackStoppers has always been there immediately upon a death of a public safety officer first, but now we want to take the initiative to help prevent a tragedy. I want every responder we serve to stay ready, be prepared and take action. Taking this heart scan will ensure that you are doing just that. This will be the first step of expanding our mission while keeping the service to our fallen and catastrophically injured heroes at the forefront,” Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole, BackStoppers executive director.
By taking a proactive approach today, our public safety officers can gain valuable insight into their heart health and potentially prevent life-threatening cardiac events in the future.
“Every time a first responder leaves their home, they are at risk. By working with BackStoppers, we are helping our first responders understand their health and remind them about the risks of heart disease, which is also the nation’s leading cause of death,” said Fred Sanscoucie, radiology director at OSF Saint Anthony’s. “This simple screening can be an important addition to any patient’s overall health plan, but especially those who work in high-stress workplaces. It may help prevent a heart attack or provide doctors with a roadmap for preventing heart disease.”
The CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring scan takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is reviewed by an OSF radiologist. The cost of the exam is $117 and is typically not covered by insurance.
Active-duty police, fire and EMS personnel age 40 and older within our 28-county coverage area are encouraged to take advantage of this potentially life-saving screening. Eligible first responders can schedule an appointment directly through OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center by calling (618) 474-4606.