For Immediate Release
Contact: Irma Alexander at
ialexander@meridianhousing.net
601 482-5042
MERIDIAN EAST END CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH FAIR SET FOR NOVEMBER 2ND
A “March for a Healthy East End” Will Kickoff Promptly at 10:45am
WHAT:
The Meridian Housing Authority along with local healthcare professionals including: Greater Meridian Health Clinic, Weems Mental Health, Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition, Rush Health Systems, Anderson Regional Medical Center, Information & Quality Health Care and others will provide preventive and curative medical assistance to City of Meridian residents during its first East End Health Fair.
The event will mark the continuation of a commitment made by MHA and leaders of the healthcare industry to call awareness to the various health issues currently facing the State of Mississippi and more specifically, residents in the East End Choice Neighborhood. Mississippi is perennially ranked as the most obese and unhealthy state in the US.
Issues to be addressed during the health fair will include: diabetes treatment and prevention, blood pressure checks, tobacco smoke, high cholesterol , vision exams, proper foot care, dental hygiene, etc.
This community partnership also serves to ensure the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that meaningful collaborative efforts are being sustained to provide affordable, safe and healthy housing opportunities for all residents of the East End Choice Neighborhood.
WHEN:
Friday, November 2, 2012 11:00am – 3:00pm
A “March for a Healthy East End” led by Meridian High School Jr ROTC and Drum Corp will begin at 10:45am. A brief “East End Healthy Choice” program will start promptly at 11:00am.
WHERE:
George Reese Court Housing Development: 1318 19th Street, Meridian, Mississippi
DETAILS:
On January 10, 2012, the Meridian Housing Authority was awarded a $242,500 competitive HUD Choice Neighborhood Planning grant to develop a comprehensive community transformation plan for East Meridian.
A community health task force has been organized to address growing health concerns of the targeted neighborhood. Students from Meridian High School including the Jr ROTC and the Wildcat drum corp will lead the community in a “March for a Healthy East End” beginning promptly at 10:45am in front of the East End Police Substation located at 1318 19th Street, Meridian, Mississippi.
The George Reese Court resident advisory board will grill hot dogs and provide drinks for all in attendance. The public is encouraged to participate.
Special thanks to Mr. Wilbert Jones, CEO, Greater Meridian Health Clinic for providing the services of their multi-purpose mobile health unit.
Additionally, special thanks to Principal Victor Hubbard for permitting Meridian High School’s Jr ROTC and Wildcat Drum Corp to participate in this East End Choice Neighborhood community event.
For more information regarding the Meridian Housing Authority’s Choice Neighborhood Planning Initiative, visit www.meridianhousing.net and click on “press release.”
