The Unified Government Health Department has launched the African American Community Forward Response, focusing on providing a variety of services and resources to African Americans throughout Wyandotte County.
The Health Department will hold weekly events each Monday at the Quindaro Community Center, 2726 Brown Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The events will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 8, except for July 4.
As part of the African American Community Forward Response, the Health Department also is holding the Dotte Day Community Fest on Saturday, June 25.
The June 25 event will run from noon to 3 p.m., and will offer free lunches and a live remote broadcast, giveaways and music from Hot 103 Jamz radio.
The services available include:
• Free physical health screenings (including blood pressure, lung sounds, diabetes screening and diabetic foot checks, cognitive status checks and other health services)
• Financial planning, including $50 to open a savings account at Reliance Credit Union.
• Free job training, including resume building and assistance with creating a KansasWorks account online
• Free mental health screenings for kids and adults
• Nutrition information
• Family planning information and resources
• Free COVID-19 health services including free testing, vaccinations and booster shots.
“We want to provide the tools and resources that will empower our African American community to govern its physical, mental, financial and family well-being,” said Kay Sharp, AACF response coordinator with the Health Department. “This includes access to free health screenings and vaccinations, family planning resources, better nutrition, more robust short- and long-term financial planning strategies, job training and employment resources.”
Sharp emphasized that, although the African American Community Forward Response is targeted to the African American community in Wyandotte County, everyone is welcome to attend these events.
Partner organizations participating in these events include the Kansas Black Farmer’s Association, Reliance Credit Union, Wyandotte County Workforce Partnership, Donnelly College and the Unified Government Public Health Department.
Those who are attending events who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 are asked to wear a mask when indoors. Free disposable masks will be available at these events.
- Story from UG Health Department