If you’ve experienced leg pain, cramping, or fatigue when walking, you might be among the 12 million Americans living with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This common but often undiagnosed condition restricts blood flow to your legs due to artery blockages. The Global PAD Association is shining a spotlight on an innovative program bringing early detection and treatment directly to communities where PAD awareness is desperately needed.
Through our Global PAD Impact Awards, we’ve recognized Clinic To Community as this year’s “Best PAD Awareness Initiative” for their remarkable work in helping patients just like you discover and treat PAD before it leads to serious complications.
During my conversation (click on image above for LIVE interview) with Natalie Donnally and Dr. Mamdouh Khayat, leaders of this groundbreaking program, they shared a startling fact: 80% of African Americans have never even heard of PAD, despite facing triple the amputation rates of white Americans.
“When you talk about the Black community, the lack of knowledge about PAD is 80%,” Dr. Khayat explained. “That means 80% of African Americans in our community have never even heard of peripheral artery disease.”
This knowledge gap is especially dangerous because PAD can progress silently. One in ten PAD patients develops critical limb-threatening ischemia, and without proper treatment, 50% die within five years after an amputation.
Getting Screened Just Got Easier
If you’ve put off getting checked for PAD because of difficulty accessing healthcare, Clinic To Community might be coming to a location near you. This comprehensive health program began three years ago as US Health Medical Exam Mobiles, bringing vital screenings directly to neighborhoods where traditional healthcare often doesn’t reach.
The mobile units offer a simple, painless screening for PAD. “That’s a non-invasive Doppler,” Natalie explained. “You connect the blood pressure cuffs, you do the ultrasound, and you have your answers. You don’t even have to get undressed.”
Beyond PAD, these mobile clinics provide biometric, cancer, rare genetic, and maternal health screenings, along with assessments of social factors that might impact your health. They even connect you with patient navigators who can help you access the care you need.
Don’t Dismiss These Warning Signs
During community screenings, the team frequently meets people who’ve been misinterpreting PAD symptoms for years. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many men believe PAD only affects women, incorrectly associating it with varicose veins. Others, particularly active individuals, attribute their leg pain to their lifestyle or aging.
Natalie shared the story of a former police officer who had been an avid runner: “He just kept attributing the stress and the aching of his legs to being on his legs all day, running, cycling, and his new hobbies.” After finally agreeing to be tested, he was diagnosed with significant PAD and successfully treated with minimally invasive procedures.
From Diagnosis to Treatment in Days, Not Months
What happens if you test positive for PAD? Unlike typical healthcare pathways where you might wait weeks or months for specialized care, Clinic To Community can connect you to treatment within 24-48 hours.
This rapid response is possible through partnerships with vascular specialists like Dr. Khayat at Vive Vascular and patient advocacy organizations like The Way To My Heart, the patient education and support arm of the Global PAD Association.
“When you have these hospitals that are very difficult to navigate from one physician to another, it’s very easy for patients to get lost,” Dr. Khayat explained. The Way To My Heart helps bridge this gap, assisting with appointments, providing reminders, and offering lifestyle support beyond what doctors can typically provide during office visits.
A Different Kind of Care Experience
Many patients, particularly those who’ve had negative healthcare experiences in the past, find Clinic To Community’s approach refreshing. The program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and builds trust by having providers who reflect the communities they serve.
Natalie explained how connecting with patients in familiar settings, using accessible language, and recognizing literacy challenges makes all the difference in helping people feel comfortable seeking care.
Beyond initial treatment, the program focuses on continuous care. “In a patient that has risk factors for vascular disease, the way they have a heart doctor, the way they have a diabetes doctor, in theory, they should have a vascular doctor that readily checks on them annually,” Dr. Khayat emphasized.
Expanding Treatment Options Through Research
If you’re concerned about treatment options for PAD, particularly if you’re from a minority community, Clinic To Community’s research component offers hope for more effective therapies.
“We’re able to enroll more Black and Brown populations into clinical trials because we know that 98% of modalities are driven for Caucasian counterparts,” Natalie shared. By increasing diversity in clinical trials, the initiative helps develop treatments that work more effectively for all patients, regardless of background.
Finding Help Near You
While Clinic To Community has completed its 2025 event schedule, you can still get tested for PAD. Visit PADtest.org find healthcare clinics that offer PAD testing in your area. This resource maps testing locations across the country, making it easy to find care near you.
If you’re experiencing leg pain, cramping, numbness, fatigue, foot burning, or tingling – especially when walking – don’t wait to seek help. These symptoms might be PAD, and early intervention can save your limbs and your life.
For guidance on PAD symptoms or finding appropriate testing sites near you, call the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS. The hotline can provide information about PAD, answer your questions, and help you locate the nearest testing facility. You can also connect with others on a similar journey by joining our online PAD group at PADSupportGroup.org and WalkingSupportGroup.com.
Remember: PAD is treatable, especially when caught early. Don’t let lack of awareness put you at risk for serious complications when help is just a phone call away.
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Global PAD Impact Awards - Important Disclaimer
Award Clarification and Patient Guidance
The Global PAD Impact Awards are not an endorsement of any award recipient’s medical practice, research, or clinical services. These awards are:
Based on specific, carefully evaluated criteria
- Nominated by patients who have experienced care
- Selected by a diverse panel including patients, physicians, and clinical experts
- Important Patient Guidance
Receiving this award does not guarantee that a particular healthcare provider is the right fit for your unique medical needs. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a complex condition that requires personalized medical attention.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
If you need assistance in selecting a healthcare provider for PAD:
Contact the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS
- Speak with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process of finding the most appropriate doctor for your specific situation
- Remember: Your medical journey is unique. Professional consultation is crucial in making informed healthcare decisions.
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