Health Ministry Partnership Plans Family Health Fair
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS – Reverend Samuel Greer wanted to change what he viewed as alarming health disparities in the African American community, and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone. As part of an ongoing partnership between the Baptist State Convention’s Health Advisory Team, Muskegon Family Care, and healthCARE Inc., he helped to plan a large family health fair where people can get hands-on screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI) as well as information on local resources to help promote their health.
The fair took place on Saturday, 10/13/07, at Muskegon Heights High School from 10am to 2pm. Participants received a Health Passport, which was to be stamped at various booths and became their ticket for door prize drawings. In addition, each participant received a health goal sheet, with information on their own blood pressure, body mass index, activity and nutrition goals. “We wanted people who attend this to actually make a positive change in their lives,” noted Reverend Greer.
The health fair was supported by a grant from Mercy General Health Partners, who also attended the fair and donated supplies and personnel for cholesterol screening. YMCA, Omni Fitness and Curves had hands-on activities and demonstrations during the event, and helped participants establish goals for improving their activity levels. Many other agencies and organizations were also represented, and participants were also given a free lunch at the event.
Outcomes; there were:
64 guests signed in
36 vendor volunteers
5 church volunteers
52 entries in the drawing
47 cholesterol checks with 10 abnormals |
