Jackson, MS (May 9, 2023) –The first Thursday of each month is a Brighter Day for residents at the Billy Brumfield Men’s Shelter. Each month, the Institute and its partners provide a plethora of services for shelter residents and other unhoused individuals via its A Brighter Day Resource and Health Fair.
On May 4, 2023, over 40 unhoused men took advantage of the opportunity to receive HIV/AIDS tests, COVID vaccinations, blood pressure screenings, glucose screenings and tobacco cessation products/information. Cellular devices, food and hair were provided for free. Melvin Young (DJ Mailman) of WJMI (99 Jams) radio station kept the atmosphere lively with great music.
In Mississippi, an estimated 1,107 people are experiencing homelessness. That equals 3.7 people for every 10,000 according to a report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Unhoused individuals are often exposed to violence and other traumatic experiences. These experiences often lead to the participation in risky behavior in order to survive in their environment.
“Because there are multiple reasons for homelessness, there is not a single solution,” said Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO/Founder, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. “Our agency is committed to providing services to meet the needs of those currently unhoused. Via our partnerships, we will continue to deliver access to essential items and provisions as often as possible.”
Partners for this resource and health fair were MS Move, Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center, Meet Your Needs Service, WJMI, Gilmer Grooming, and B&B Barbecue.
For more information or to partner with the Institute contact iamh@advancingminorityhealth.org
or call (769) 572-5263.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health was established in 2019 to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and underserved minority populations in Mississippi through the development of collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders and the implementation of evidence-based public health interventions with a particular focus on health equity.
Cover Photo:Health screenings were provided by Rosalind Yarber and Shirley Perry of Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center.
Bottom photo: Delicious food was distributed by Shantay Griffith, outreach coordinator, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health and Marcus Banks, B&B Barbecue.
