2 days ago
ShelbyCares event encourages community to address health needs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Community partners have teamed up to bring health resources to the community.
The ShelbyCares Community Health Fair kicked off Friday morning, welcoming people of all ages and bringing essential health and social services to medically underserved neighborhoods.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shelby County residents were able to visit the ShelbyCares office in Southwest Memphis for the family-friendly event, which featured free activities including haircuts, painting, CPR training, screenings, and more.
'I came to gather information. I take it back to the community, people in the community, so I can share it with them, so they can enjoy some of these benefits being offered,' said Ray Hilliard.
Organizers say last year's turnout was great, and they expected to see nearly 300 people visit the over 30 vendors. Friday marked the second year for the annual event.
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'We are here to take care of their needs and encourage people to come out and take ownership of their health. It doesn't matter what the administration is; what is happening across. But I feel that ownership lies with the individual, and that's what I've been encouraging them to do,' said Annie Ninan, Deputy Executive Director of Tennessee Population Health Consortium.
Those in attendance encouraged others to educate themselves on the importance of taking care of their health.
'I was introduced to this by my sister. So I came to the yoga class, and from there, I came to the aerobics exercise class,' said Gloria Bibbs.
Heart disease and diabetes are a couple of the top leading causes of death in Shelby County, according to data from the Shelby County health department.
Those in the health care field say some diseases are largely preventable and encourage residents to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to wellness.
'One of the things we hope we can keep our program, keep it free. And so that's one of the things we try to encourage, that it's free. It's here for the community. And we don't just do screenings once. It's once a year, once a month. If you're time to come to check their numbers,' said Belinda Gray, a certified health coach with ShelbyCares.
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