Community Health Fair at St. Mary’s is a success
Published 2:04 pm Wednesday, October 8, 2014
St. Mary Church of God In Christ, Inc. held a Community Health Fair at its Outreach Ministries building Saturday that was well attended by local residents. Supporting agencies included Magnolia State Pharmaceutical Society, Inc. of Jackson, United Healthcare Community Plan of Ridgeland, MS, Envision Eye Care of Jackson, Southeast MS Rural Health Initiative, Inc. of Hattiesburg, Walgreen’s Pharmacy of Hattiesburg, Metropolitan Urology Clinic of Jackson, MS Relay and the American Red Cross.
Shirley Burnham / The Prentiss Headlight—Pastor Hosea Brown knows the value of preventative screening after his heart valve problems and aneurysm were found on a routine check. Valerie Sullivan and Kristie Knox of the SE MS Rural health initiative, Inc. who provided information and HIV testing at the Health Fair with Pastor Brown.
Pastor Hosea Brown, who will soon celebrate his 5th year as pastor of St. Mary’s, personally knows just how important regular screening can be.
“I went for regular blood pressure check to get my medications refilled and was found with problems that resulted in a heart valve replacement and aneursym repair in August. I believe it was the grace of God that sent me there since I had felt no health problems or issues.”
Pastor Brown states the church is trying to minister to the whole man and gives credit to his brother Dr. Billy Brown, a pharmaceutical doctor at the VA for coordinating the event. Members of the church served as hosts and hostesses making all who came feel welcome and comfortable. Door prizes were an extra bonus to the services offered.
Flu shots as well as blood sugar and blood pressure screening, HIV information and testing, glaucoma and eye screenings and prostate exams were available. Information on free phones for the hearing and speech impaired and information on the services offered by the Red Cross were also offered.
Outreach/CapTel Specialist of MS Relay Joyce Hart states few people know that phones for the hearing and speech impaired are already paid by the surcharge fee the phone companies charge and urges those who know JDC residents in need of services to contact her before buying a phone.
Dr. Felix Gordon of Metropolitan Urology Clinic in Jackson brought his teenage daughter Felicia to observe activities of the Fair. He urges men to get their prostate exams and states the reason he came was that most men are reluctant to take care of themselves with an appointment. In the community setting they are more likely to come and get this important screening.
Shirley Burnham / The Prentiss Headlight—At right: Rosie Brown couldn’t help making a face as she received her flu shot provided at the St. Mary’s Community Health Fair.
Red Cross representatives stated the organization is looking for volunteers to cover this area for disaster preparedness and explained the type of assistance it provides.
This is the 2nd annual Health Fair provided by the church as a ministry to the community and Pastor Brown states St. Mary’s plans to continue this helpful service.
Shirley Burnham / The Prentiss Headlight—First Lady of St. Mary’s Deborah Brown received a finger stick to check glucose level.
